India (Commonwealth Union)_ Prime Minister Narendra Modi has warmly welcomed the renaming of the iconic Cultural Centre in Jaffna, Sri Lanka, to honor the revered Tamil poet and philosopher, Thiruvalluvar. The Cultural Centre, which was built with Indian assistance, has been officially renamed the ‘Thiruvalluvar Cultural Centre’ as a tribute to the legendary philosopher whose work continues to inspire people across the world. The announcement was made on January 18, 2025, at a special ceremony attended by a distinguished group of dignitaries, including the Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, and Sri Lanka’s Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Hiniduma Sunil Senevi.
Also read: Maldives Tourism Boom: 90,000 Visitors in Two Weeks—What’s Driving the Surge?
The event also saw the participation of various local officials and cultural representatives, underscoring the deep historical and cultural connections between India and Sri Lanka. The event marked a significant milestone, as the renaming of the Cultural Centre is seen as a fitting tribute to Thiruvalluvar’s legacy. The Indian Embassy in Sri Lanka shared the news on social media, stating, “In honour of the great Tamil poet-philosopher Thiruvalluvar, the Cultural Centre in Jaffna was today renamed as ‘Thiruvalluvar Cultural Centre’.” The post also acknowledged the presence of key figures, including the High Commissioner and Minister Senevi.
Also read: India’s Naval Power Surge: 3 Major Combat Vessels Commissioned in Historic Move!
In his remarks, Prime Minister Modi expressed his approval of the gesture, stating, “I welcome the naming of the iconic Cultural Centre in Jaffna, built with Indian assistance, as the ‘Thiruvalluvar Cultural Centre.’ In addition to paying homage to the great Thiruvalluvar, this act also stands as a testament to the deep cultural, linguistic, historical, and civilizational bonds between the people of India and Sri Lanka.” His statement highlighted the significance of the renaming in fortifying the bilateral ties between the two nations, rooted in shared cultural heritage.
Also read: India defies BRICS currency: How Commonwealth leadership can propel its global power?
Prime Minister Modi further reflected on the profound impact of Thiruvalluvar’s teachings. In a separate message on Thiruvalluvar Day, he said, “On Thiruvalluvar Day, we remember one of our land’s greatest philosophers, poets, and thinkers. His verses reflect the essence of Tamil culture and our philosophical heritage. Thiruvalluvar’s teachings emphasize righteousness, compassion, and justice. His timeless work, the Tirukkural, stands as a beacon of inspiration, offering profound insights on a wide range of issues. We will continue to work hard to fulfill his vision for our society.”
The ‘Thiruvalluvar Cultural Centre’ stands as a symbol of collaboration between India and Sri Lanka. Built with a generous grant of USD 12 million from India, the Centre is a state-of-the-art facility aimed at promoting the rich cultural traditions of Sri Lanka’s Northern Province. The structure features several world-class amenities, including a two-floor museum, an auditorium with a seating capacity of over 600, a 11-storey learning tower, and a public square that doubles as an amphitheater for cultural events. The foundation stone for the Cultural Centre was laid by Prime Minister Modi during his historic visit to Jaffna in March 2015. After years of construction, the Centre was officially inaugurated in March 2022 and dedicated to the people of Sri Lanka in February 2023. Minister Sunil Senevi, speaking at the ceremony, commended the renaming decision, calling it an ideal choice that reflected the cultural importance of Thiruvalluvar’s work.
On behalf of the President of Sri Lanka, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Minister Senevi expressed his gratitude to the Government of India for the generous gift of the cultural centre and emphasized the potential for the facility to become a vibrant hub of cultural activity in the region. Thiruvalluvar, one of India’s most distinguished philosophers, is best known for his work, the Tirukkural, a collection of couplets that cover a wide range of topics, including ethics, politics, economics, and love. His teachings, which promote virtues like compassion and justice, continue to be an integral part of Tamil culture and philosophy. The renaming of the Jaffna Cultural Centre as the ‘Thiruvalluvar Cultural Centre’ is a fitting tribute to this iconic figure, and it underscores the enduring relationship between India and Sri Lanka, based on shared values, history, and culture.
