TOWARDS OUR PLACES – Akkarayan

The Akkarayan region rich in natural beauty located in Karaichi Divisional Secretary Division of Kilinochchi District. Akkarayan is a region bordering areas like Unionkulam, Kandapuram and Konavil. Villages under the authority of Chola kings, suburbs can be found with the name ending with Rayan, for example, Pallavarayan, Kanagarayan and Akkarayan; the names that come like this are the names derived from it. It is also worth noting that a Duke (referred to as Chitarashan) named Akkarayan, has been ruling this region. About seventy-five families settled in the area when the Tamil people who migrated from Malaysia studied with Malaysian Ceylon (The name given to Eelam by the colonisers). With many ancient connections, Akkarayan also bears many battle scars. Akkarayan, who made many sacrifices during the war, was the place of fame and residence of the displaced people.

Akkarayan was a ruler who ruled the Vanni region which was the southern part of the Jaffna Kingdom of Tamil Eelam. He belonged to the 13th century. The Akkarayan River was created by him and named after him. In 2018, Akkarayan statue was installed in Kilinochchi. Thus, Akkarayan, which has many ancient and natural features, remained the homeland that was not defeated during the Eelam Liberation struggle till the end. Akkarayan stands tall in his sacrifice in Eelam struggle.

Vatakkachi Vinoth