Do you know about the Tamil University that was established in Kilinochchi?
Do you know about the Tamil University that was established in Kilinochchi?
A visionary thought, a serious effort, and a dream that eventually vanished with history — all of these came together to form the Kilinochchi “Tamil University” It was the time when the war peace agreement was in effect in the early 2000s. There was temporary peace in the North and East. At that time, not only structures for military operations, but also infrastructure facilities for the people were created in Kilinochchi. This Tamil University is a grand dream that was born out of that.
The idea of establishing a world-class international university exclusively for the Tamil language arose. The aim was not just to provide textbook education; the goal was to raise Tamil literature, history, archaeology, fine arts, and modern science to international standards under one roof.
For this, land was allocated in the area adjacent to the Kilinochchi – A-9 highway. This is the most interesting part of this story. At that time, many Tamil professors and academics living in the diaspora came forward to support this dream. Many talented professors from London, Canada, France and India helped design the curriculum for this through online and in person. Curricula equivalent to those offered at international universities were prepared.
Drawings for a huge library, modern laboratories and research centers were prepared. Work on the university administration buildings and lecture halls began in earnest. The design of the buildings was planned to blend traditional Tamil symbols and modernity. Those who witnessed the area at that time mention that even before the university was fully operational, training and certificate courses were started there for many young people in various fields.
The expectation that “an international university is coming to our land, for us” sowed great new hope among the students and people of the area. History does not always travel as we think. After 2006, the war intensified again. As the fighting moved towards Kilinochchi, the construction work of this grand dream came to a halt halfway.
Then, when the war ended in 2009, the buildings for the university, along with the rare books and blueprints collected there, were destroyed and transformed into relics of time. Today, if you travel through Kilinochchi, those old memories remain only in the minds of the elders of the area.
Although it did not make it onto the world map as an official university, its attempt to take education to the top in a very short time, despite severe obstacles, is an unforgettable true chapter in the history of education in Eelam!
(Translation by Tamilpriya)
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