Jump to content

Valikamam West

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Valikamam West
வலிகாமம் மேற்கு
වලිකාමම් බටහිර
Divisional Secretariat
Map of Northern Province (Sri Lanka) with Valikamam West Highlighted (Red)
Map of Northern Province (Sri Lanka) with Valikamam West Highlighted (Red)
Valikamam West is located in Sri Lanka
Valikamam West
Valikamam West
Location in Sri Lanka
Coordinates: 9°44′N 79°57′E / 9.733°N 79.950°E / 9.733; 79.950
Country Sri Lanka
ProvinceNorthern Province
DistrictJaffna District
RegionValikamam
Founded19th century
Government
[1][2]
 • TypeDivisional Secretariat
 • BodyValikamam West Divisional Council
 • ChairmanVacant since 2022
 • Deputy ChairmanVacant since 2022
 • SecretaryShanmugarajah Balaruban
Area
[3]
 • Total
47.3 km2 (18.3 sq mi)
 • Land25.27 km2 (9.76 sq mi)
Elevation
[4]
2 m (7 ft)
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (Sri Lanka Standard Time)
Postal codes
40000 Jaffna
Area code7324037
Websitevalikamamwest.ds.gov.lk

Valikamam West (Tamil: வலிகாமம் மேற்கு, romanized: Valikāmam mēṟku, lit. 'The west sandy village'; Sinhala: වලිකාමම් බටහිර, romanized: Valikāmam baṭahira) is a Divisional Secretariat of Jaffna District, of Northern Province, Sri Lanka.[6]

In official government records and statistical data, the division is referred to as Chankanai, after the administrative center.[7]

Etymology

[edit]

Although the modern Tamil words வலி, Vali and காமம், Kāmam can mean pain and lust respectively, the etymology of Valikamam is derived from the classical meanings of the words, as used in early Tamil inscriptions.[8][9]

The name Valikamam (Tamil: வலிகாமம், romanized: Valikāmam) therefore translates to "the sandy village", whereas Tamil: மேற்கு, romanized: Mēṟku, lit. 'West' denotes the geographical marker.[10][11]

It is derived from the words:[10]

  • Tamil: வலி, romanized: Vali, lit. 'Sand or sandy land'
  • Tamil: காமம், romanized: Kāmam, lit. 'Village'

The word காமம், Kāmam is no longer in common use but was historically found in Eezham Tamil place names. It shares linguistic roots with Sanskrit: ग्राम, romanized: Grāma, Pali: गाम, romanized: Gāma, and Sinhala: ගම, romanized: Gama.[10] The word has been found in early Tamil inscriptions, including an 11th-century record at Velgam Vihara, Trincomalee, and a 12th-century Chola inscription at Thiruvalangadu, where Valikamam is explicitly mentioned as a village.[10]

The name Valikamam is also linguistically equivalent to Manaltidar or Manarridal, the ancient Tamil names for Jaffna, which carry the same meaning of "sandy land."[12]

According to the 16th-century Tamil literary work Santiago Kumara Ammanai, Valikamam was historically referred to as well as: வல்லி கிராமம், romanized: Valli Kiraamam, lit. 'The village of the Tinospora cordifolia plant.'[12]

Geography

[edit]

Valikamam West covers a total land extent of 4,730 hectares (47.3 km2) with a developable area of 2,527 hectares (25.27 km2).[13] The region is bordered by:

  • East – Valikamam South West Pradeshiya Sabha and Valukkaiyaru Seasonal River.
  • South – Jaffna Lagoon.
  • West – Jaffna Lagoon.

Administrative Divisions

[edit]

The Divisional Council Valikamam West was declared as an Urban Development Area under the UDA Act No.41 of 1978, as per Gazette Notification No. 2185/74 on 24 July 2020.[14]

Valikamam is currently further divided into Grama Niladhari divisions, which serve as fourth-level administrative units.

Grama Niladhari Divisions of Valikamam West[14][7][15]
Biggest Town G.N. Division Division No Villages
Vaddukoddai Vaddukoddai East J/157
  • Vaddukoddai East
  • Anthiran
  • Thavalai
  • Kulippan
Vaddukoddai North J/158
  • Kalainagar
  • Pilawaththai
  • Sivan Kovilady (Part)
  • Vaddukoddai North
Vaddukoddai South J/165
  • Muthalikovilady
  • Sempaddanthodam
  • Koddisuddi
  • Inpachoolai
  • Kaalikovilady
  • Arasady
Vaddukoddai South-West J/166
  • Kaladdy
  • Near Jaffna College
  • Kirawalai
  • Ithiyady
Vaddukoddai West J/167
  • Sivankovilady (Part)
  • Kanakaiamman Kovilady
  • Kalvil
Araly Araly West J/160
  • Koddaikaddu (Part)
  • Nochchikadu
  • Pungankuli
Araly Centre J/161
  • Urraththi
  • Kanawakkai
  • Kaladdymoollai
  • Koddaikaddu (Part)
  • Vannarpuram
  • Namagal Kovilady
Araly South J/162
  • Thenmoolai
  • Veppiyanni
  • Vadamoolai
Araly East J/163
  • Kulainai
  • Veemankamam
  • Iyannar Kovilady
Araly North J/164
  • Chettiyarmadam
  • Magilippulam
  • Nagendramadam
  • Madathady
  • Nampapulam
Chankanai Chankanai West J/179
  • Nitchamam
  • Nikarai
Chankanai Centre J/181
  • Thoddilady
  • Near Hospital
Chankanai South J/180
  • Mavaddy
  • Oodakkarai
Chankanai East J/178
  • Chankanai East
Chulipuram Chulipuram West J/172
  • Chulipuram West
  • Periyapulo
  • Raththalady
  • Varuthoolai (Part)
  • Kudakkanai (Part)
Chulipuram Centre J/173
  • Kudakkanai (Part)
  • Kallaivembady
  • Chulipuram Centre
  • Varuthoolai (Part)
Chulipuram East J/174
  • Chulipuram East
  • Kaluvan
  • Kddupulam
  • Pandaveddai
  • Paralai
Moolai Moolai J/171
  • Moolai
  • Veram
  • Kumarappulam

Land Use

[edit]

The land use of Valikamam West consists of residential areas, home gardens, agricultural land, and conservation zones as the primary components. Commercial activities are concentrated mainly in the Chankanai area.[16]

Land Use Distribution in Valikamam West (2024)
  1. Paddy (40.5%)
  2. Home Garden (32.38%)
  3. Residential (18%)
  4. Water Body (2.63%)
  5. Palmyrah (1.72%)
  6. Marshy (1.06%)
  7. Roads (1.05%)
  8. Commercial (0.84%)
  9. Others (0.67%)
  10. Religious (0.43%)
  11. Abandoned Paddy (0.32%)
  12. Institutional (0.32%)
  13. Vacant Land (0.08%)

Land Use Categories:

  • Paddy fields cover 40.5% of the total land, forming the dominant land use.
  • Home gardens constitute 32.38%, contributing to household-level agriculture.
  • Residential areas make up 18%, reflecting growing urbanization.
  • Water bodies (including ponds and small lakes) account for 2.63%.
  • Palmyrah plantations cover 1.72%, playing a role in local industries.
  • Marshy lands occupy 1.06%, providing environmental benefits.
  • Roads take up 1.05%, ensuring connectivity.
  • Commercial zones are relatively small, at 0.84%, mainly concentrated in Chankanai.
  • Religious spaces, abandoned paddy fields, and institutional areas each hold less than 1% of the total land.

Chankanai Town is the key commercial hub of Valikamam West, with a mix of residential, institutional, and commercial land use.

Urban Development

[edit]

The town of Chankanai is currently classified as a third-order city, and according to the Jaffna District Urban Development Plan 2034, it is expected to be upgraded to a second-order city.[17] This reflects the development potential of Valikamam West.

History

[edit]

The current division and its borders date back to Dutch colonial rule in the 18th century, which used the historical region names with a geographic suffix marker.[18][19][20]

Jaffna peninsula was historically divided into the three regions of Vadamarachchi, Thenmarachchi and Valikamam, which today make up three regions of the Jaffna District.[21][22]

During the Dutch colonial rule, Valikamam was referred to as Walligamo.[23] Its sub-divisions were organised as parishes and recorded as follows: Changane (Chankanai), Aralie (Araly), Battoekottemeerkoe (Vaddukkoddai), and Moelaey (Moolai). These names have endured over the centuries and are still reflected in the present-day Grama Niladhari divisions.[24]

Under British rule, the Dutch administrative framework was largely retained but restructured into a feudal system of counties known as Korales and Ratas.[25] This system significantly influenced the evolution of Sri Lanka’s modern administrative divisions.

Following independence in the 20th century, Valikamam was incorporated into the Jaffna District under the newly reformed Sri Lankan administrative structure. Today, it remains an essential region within Northern Province, retaining its historical and cultural significance.[22]

Demography

[edit]

Valikamam West had a population of 46,438 in the 2012 census. Most of the residents of the town are Sri Lankan Tamils, with the majority being Hindus and a few Christians. The main language spoken is Tamil. There were 1130 females for every 1,000 males, higher than the national average of 1063.[26][27][28]

A total of 7,731 were under age ten. As per the religious census of 2012, Valikamam West had 93.86% Hindus, 5.85% Christians, 0.23% Buddhists, 0.03% Muslims, 0.004% following other religions.[26][27][28]

Religious census (2012)
Religion Percent(%)
Hindu
 
 93.86%
Christian
 
 5.85%
Buddhists
 
 0.23%
Muslim
 
 0.03%
Other
 
 0.004%
Ethnicity (2012) Population
Sri Lankan Tamils 46,181 (99.4%)
Indian Tamils 139 (0.29%)
Sinhala 106 (0.22%)
Sri Lankan Moors 6 (0.01%)
Other (including Burgher, Malay) 6 (0.01%)
Total 46,438 (100%)

Government and politics

[edit]
See also: Local government in Sri Lanka

Each Divisional Council (Tamil: பிரதேச சபை, romanized: Piratēca capai) in Sri Lanka functions as the local government authority for public administration, infrastructure, and essential services within its division. These councils operate under the Pradeshiya Sabha Act No. 15 of 1987 and were established following Sri Lanka’s 1987 administrative reforms, which replaced the former District Development Councils with the current Divisional Councils system.[29]

Local Administration

[edit]

The Valikamam West Divisional Council (VWDC) (Tamil: வலிகாமம் மேற்கு பிரதேச சபை, romanized: Valikāmam mēṟku piratēca capai) is the local authority responsible for public services in the division, including roads, sanitation, housing, libraries, and public parks.

Following the suspension of local government elections in 1983 by the Sri Lankan government due to the civil war, elections for the council were first held in 1998.[30] In 2011, after being administered by special commissioners for nearly a decade, elections were reinstated under the open-list proportional representation system.[31] The last election was conducted in 2018.[32]

2018 local government election

[edit]

Results of the 2018 Sri Lankan local government election held on 10 February 2018:[32]

Party Votes % Seats
Illankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) 8,119 34.44 9
All Ceylon Tamil Congress (ACTC) 5,638 23.91 6
Eelam People's Democratic Party (EPDP) 3,511 14.89 4
United National Party (UNP) 3,109 13.19 3
Independent Group 1,408 5.97 2
Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) 1,279 5.42 1
Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF) 224 0.95 0
Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) 198 0.84 0
People's Liberation Front (JVP) 91 0.39 0
Valid ballots 23,577 100.0 25
Invalid ballots 506 2.1
Total polled 24,083 70.24
Electorate 34,292
Source: Department of Elections, Sri Lanka
Valikamam West Pradeshiya Sabha Election 2018
9
6
4
3
2
1
Total 25 seats

This was also the first election under the mixed electoral system, where 60% of members were elected using first-past-the-post voting, while the remaining 40% were elected through closed-list proportional representation.[33][34]

Transportation

[edit]

Valikamam West has a well-developed transport infrastructure connecting it with Jaffna and the surrounding regions. The area's transport network consists of major roads, bus services, and proximity to railway connections.[35]

Roads

[edit]

The local authority is located 14.4 km from Jaffna town, and the division is served by several key roads:[35]

Public Transport

[edit]

Bus services play a crucial role in the daily transport needs of the population. The following bus routes operate within Valikamam West:[35]

  • Routes 782, 785, 786, 740, 787 – These routes provide connectivity to Chunnakam and Chavakacheri, covering most settlements in the area.
  • The Chankanai Bus Stand serves as the main transport hub for the division. However, it is located at the periphery of the administrative area, causing accessibility issues for some residents.

Railway

[edit]

Although Valikamam West does not have a direct railway station, nearby railway services in Jaffna provide access to the region via the Northern Line, which connects to Colombo and other major cities.[35]

Economy

[edit]

As of 2024, Valikamam West has a labor force participation rate of 70%, a dependency ratio of 30%, and an unemployment rate of 16%.[35]

The economy of Valikamam West is primarily based on agriculture, fisheries, industry, and services. The primary sector (agriculture & fisheries) accounts for 15% of employment, the secondary sector (industry & manufacturing) constitutes 58%, and the tertiary sector (services) makes up 27%.[35]

Economic Sectors in Valikamam West (2024)
  1. Agriculture (11%)
  2. Fisheries (4%)
  3. Industry (58%)
  4. Services (27%)

Agriculture

[edit]

Agriculture is a major sector, with 54% of families (8,300 households) engaged in farming. The Valikamam West Local Authority contributes 16% of the total paddy production in the Jaffna District.[35]

Key agricultural products include:

The region produces 4,765 metric tons of red onions annually, accounting for 25% of Jaffna District's total onion yield. Agricultural activities rely heavily on the Valkai Aru seasonal river and the local hydro system.[35]

Fisheries

[edit]

Fishing is another important sector, employing 1,632 families (11%). The region has nine fisherman cooperative societies operating under the local authority.

Valikamam West contributes 1.8% of Jaffna District's total fish production.[35]

Industry

[edit]

The secondary sector accounts for the largest share of employment at 58%. Key industries include:

The tertiary sector, making up 27% of the economy, includes various services, retail businesses, and pottery.[35]

Education

[edit]

Valikamam West has a total of 34 provincial schools functioning under the local authority, along with one private school. However, there are no national schools in the area.[35]

In 2022, the number of students in the region was 8,805. According to data from the Divisional Secretariat, the student-to-teacher ratio is 1:15, which aligns with national educational standards.[35]

According to the Grama Niladhari Divisions Statistics - 2020, education facilities in Valikamam West include:[36]

  • Government or private schools with A/L classes: Valikamam West has 6 GN divisions with schools that provide G.C.E. Advanced Level (A/L) education.
  • Government or private schools with O/L classes: A total of 22 GN divisions in Valikamam West have schools offering G.C.E. Ordinary Level (O/L) education.
  • Kindergarten / Pre-school / Early Childhood Development Centers: The division has 24 GN divisions with facilities for early childhood education.

Health

[edit]

The region has seven state-run public healthcare and medical institutions, including two divisional hospitals, two primary medical care units, one Medical Officer of Health (MOH) office, and two public health clinic centers.[35]

Located in Chankanai Town, Chankanai Divisional Hospital is a Peripheral Unit government hospital with 76 beds as of 2010.[37] It is managed by the Northern Provincial Council in Jaffna and is the only hospital in the Northern Province that provides telemetry services for neurorehabilitation.[38][35]

The public healthcare services in Valikamam West play a crucial role in ensuring medical support for the local population, providing access to both primary care and specialized treatments.[35]

Visitor attractions

[edit]

Valikamam West is home to several historical and cultural sites, including ancient temples, forts, and natural landmarks.[35]

Attractions include

[edit]
  • Sampil Thuray (Sampu Natha Eswaram) – A historic temple located in Sampil Thurai, under Chulipuram East
  • Thiruvady Nilai – A religious site in Thiruvady Nilai, Chulipuram East
  • Ponnalai Varatharaja Perumal Kovil – A Vaishnavite temple situated in Ponnalai
  • Paralai Eswar Vinayagar Kovil – A prominent Ganesha temple in Paralai, Chulipuram East
  • Chankanai Fort / Ancient Church – Located in Chankanai South, this site includes remnants of colonial-era architecture.
  • Araly Thurai – A coastal site in Araly East
  • Thunaivi Ancient Sivan Kovil – An old Shiva temple in Thunaivi, Sangarathai
  • Vaddukoddai South Indian Church – A Christian church in Vaddukoddai South West
  • Sangarathai Aavuronchy Stone – A historical stone monument in Sangarathai.
  • Sithankeny Pond – A natural pond in Sithankeny
  • Valukkai Aru – A seasonal river that plays an important role in local agriculture, located in Araly North East
  • Sangamittha Bo-Tree – A sacred Buddhist site in Chulipuram East

Notable people

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Valikamam West Pradeshiya Sabha". valikamamwest.ps.gov.lk (in Tamil). Valikamam West Divisional Council. Archived from the original on 24 January 2025. Retrieved 13 March 2025.
  2. ^ "Sri Lanka local council elections officially postponed". NewsWire. Retrieved 2025-03-13.
  3. ^ "Valikamam West Pradeshiya Sabha Development Plan" (PDF). Retrieved 2025-03-13.
  4. ^ "Valikamam West Division". GeoView.lk. Archived from the original on 2025-03-13. Retrieved 2025-03-13.
  5. ^ "Jaffna District Grama Niladhari Statistics - 2020" (PDF). Department of Census and Statistics, Sri Lanka. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2022-07-10. Retrieved 2025-03-13.
  6. ^ "About - Valikamam West". Retrieved 2023-12-19.
  7. ^ a b Pavithra. "Divisional Secretariat - Chankanai - GN Divisions". www.valikamamwest.ds.gov.lk. Archived from the original on 2020-01-30. Retrieved 2025-03-11.
  8. ^ "வலி". Tamil Lexicon. University of Chicago. Retrieved 26 March 2025.
  9. ^ "காமம்". Tamil Lexicon. University of Chicago. Retrieved 26 March 2025.
  10. ^ a b c d Indrapala, Karthigesu (2006). The Evolution of an Ethnic Identity. South Asian Studies Centre. p. 389.
  11. ^ Fabricius, J. P. (1972). "J. P. Fabricius's Tamil and English dictionary. 4th ed., rev.and enl". dsal.uchicago.edu. Retrieved 2025-03-13.
  12. ^ a b Ragupathy, Ponnampalam (1987). Early Settlements in Jaffna: An Archaeological Survey. University of Jaffna: Thillimalar. p. 211.
  13. ^ "Valikamam West Pradeshiya Sabha Development Plan" (PDF). Retrieved 2024-03-19.
  14. ^ a b "UDA Act 41 of 1978". Retrieved 2024-03-19.
  15. ^ "Administrative Divisions – Northern Province". Department of Census and Statistics – Sri Lanka. Government of Sri Lanka. Archived from the original on 10 July 2022. Retrieved 11 March 2025.
  16. ^ "Valikamam West Pradeshiya Sabha – Local Area Development Plan" (PDF). Valikamam West Pradeshiya Sabha. Government of Sri Lanka. Archived (PDF) from the original on 11 March 2025. Retrieved 11 March 2025.
  17. ^ "Jaffna District Urban Development Plan". Retrieved 2024-03-19.
  18. ^ info@driebit.nl © 2014. "Map of Walligammo province, subdivided into parishes". www.atlasofmutualheritage.nl. Retrieved 2025-03-11.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  19. ^ மயூரநாதன், இரத்தினவேலுப்பிள்ளை (2024-06-04). "லெயுசிக்காமின் நிலப்படத் தொகுப்பில் வலிகாமம் - 1". Ezhuna | எழுநா. Retrieved 2025-03-10.
  20. ^ மயூரநாதன், இரத்தினவேலுப்பிள்ளை (2025-03-02). "லெயுசிக்காமின் நிலப்படத் தொகுப்பில் வலிகாமம் - சங்கானை". Ezhuna | எழுநா. Retrieved 2025-03-10.
  21. ^ Subramanian, Nirupama (2005-01-01). Sri Lanka, Voices from a War Zone. Penguin Books India. ISBN 9780670058280.
  22. ^ a b "Administrative Divisions of Sri Lanka". Department of Census and Statistics, Sri Lanka. 11 March 2025. Retrieved 11 March 2025.
  23. ^ info@driebit.nl © 2014. "Four maps showing all the churches of Wadomorachie, Walligamo, Patchelepalle, and Temmorachie". www.atlasofmutualheritage.nl. Retrieved 2025-03-11.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  24. ^ "Map of Walligammo Province subdivided into parishes". Atlas of Mutual Heritage. Retrieved 2025-03-11.
  25. ^ "Administrative Divisions of Sri Lanka". Department of Census and Statistics, Sri Lanka. 11 March 2025. Retrieved 11 March 2025.
  26. ^ a b "Census of Population and Housing of Sri Lanka, 2012" (PDF). Department of Census & Statistics, Sri Lanka. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2015-04-02.
  27. ^ a b "Census of Population and Housing - 2012". www.statistics.gov.lk. Archived from the original on 8 Aug 2022. Retrieved 2024-03-19.
  28. ^ a b "A6 : Population by ethnicity and district according to Divisional Secretary's Division, 2012". Census of Population & Housing, 2011. Department of Census & Statistics, Sri Lanka. Archived from the original on 2016-11-01. Retrieved 2012-11-04.
  29. ^ "Pradeshiya Sabha Act No. 15 of 1987". LawNet. Retrieved 11 March 2025.
  30. ^ "Elections Suspended in the North and East in 1983". TamilNet. Retrieved 11 March 2025.
  31. ^ "Local Government Elections Gazette Notification 2011" (PDF). Government of Sri Lanka. Archived from the original (PDF) on 30 March 2012. Retrieved 11 March 2025.
  32. ^ a b "Local Authorities Election - 10.02.2018 Jaffna District Valikamam West Pradeshiya Sabha" (PDF). Department of Elections, Sri Lanka. Archived (PDF) from the original on 15 July 2024. Retrieved 11 March 2025.
  33. ^ Dissanayake, Chathuri (5 December 2017). "LG polls cost to hit Rs. 4 b". Daily FT. Colombo, Sri Lanka. Retrieved 23 December 2017.
  34. ^ Marasinghe, Sandasen; Mudalige, Disna (25 August 2017). "Amended Local Government Elections Bill approved in Parliament". Daily News. Colombo, Sri Lanka.
  35. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p "Valikamam West Pradeshiya Sabha – Local Area Development Plan" (PDF). Valikamam West Pradeshiya Sabha. Government of Sri Lanka. Archived (PDF) from the original on 11 March 2025. Retrieved 11 March 2025.
  36. ^ "Jaffna Grama Niladhari Divisions Statistics - 2020" (PDF). Department of Census and Statistics, Sri Lanka. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2022-07-10. Retrieved 2025-03-11.
  37. ^ "Wayback Machine" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2012-03-17. Retrieved 2024-03-19.
  38. ^ "The Neuro Rehabilitation Services at Chankanai Divisional Hospital. – International Medical Health Organization". Retrieved 2024-03-19.
  39. ^ Heynes, Stephen (2016-05-24). The Bleeding Island: Scars and Wounds. Partridge Publishing. ISBN 978-1-4828-7478-5.
  40. ^ Kanagaratnam, V.; Rajagopal, S.; Pushparatnam, P.; et al., eds. (2004). பத்மம் (Professor S. Pathmanathan Felicitation Volume) 2004. Bavani Pathippakam.
  41. ^ "National Trust Lecture: Getting to know Sri Lanka's kovils". The Sunday Times (Sri Lanka). 27 July 2014.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Valikamam_West&oldid=1282437064"