
Towards our places – Ambagamam
Ambagamam is a village located in the Mullaitivu District of the Northern Province of Sri Lanka. It falls under the administrative division of Oddusuddan. Situated about 12 kilometers northeast of Mankulam, Ambagamam is a beautiful agricultural village surrounded by lush forests. It stretches from the scenic forest area of Vattakachchi’s Alagapuri to the boundary of Iranamadukulam.
During the Eelam war, Ambagamam held strategic importance and served as an air base for the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). At present, it is under military occupation and control. Civilian access to the land route from Ambagamam to Vattakachchi is currently prohibited.
Under the Sinhalization program being implemented in Tamil areas, Ambagamam has become a focal point. Sinhala settlements are reportedly being established there under military control, without public knowledge.
There is a belief that Ambagamam may once have been a key city in the ancient Vanni kingdom. Rich in historical traces and ancient forests, Ambagamam stands today as a silent guardian of Tamil heritage, obscured by ongoing military occupation.
The Mammil Pillaiyar Temple in Ambagamam is highly renowned. This temple, rooted in rural Tamil religious practice, holds a prominent place in Tamil worship traditions.
Ambagamam, known for its many acts of sacrifice and heroic deeds on the battlefield, remains occupied today—yet continues to stand with spiritual strength and deep Tamil cultural roots.
—Vattakachchi Vinoth
Usaaththunai Website
Translated by Purvaja