Towards our places – Neduntheevu
Towards our places Neduntheevu
Beyond the landmass of the Jaffna Peninsula, after a long voyage across the roaring sea, we are about to reach an island filled with mystery. That island is Neduntheevu, standing majestically on the southwestern edge of Eelam. Renamed “Delft” by the Dutch in memory of a city in their homeland, this island is a living historical treasure where time seems to have frozen centuries ago. As one departs by boat from Kurikattuwan Jetty and steps onto this island after crossing the crashing waves, it is impossible not to feel as though one has entered an ancient century.
The very first image that comes to mind when speaking of Neduntheevu is its freely roaming wild horses. Brought centuries ago during the Portuguese and Dutch colonial periods, these horses have now become the island’s defining symbol. Neduntheevu is one of the rare places in the world where horses live freely in herds, untouched by human control and in complete harmony with nature. Watching them gallop across the vast grasslands and along the seashore is a breathtaking sight beyond words.
The island’s historical traces do not end with the Europeans. A gigantic baobab tree, believed to have been brought here centuries ago by Arab traders, still stands tall today as a silent witness to time. With a trunk so enormous that several people together can barely encircle it, this tree stands as powerful evidence of Neduntheevu’s antiquity and the many cultures that once passed through the island.
Another feature that astonishes every visitor to Neduntheevu is its stone walls. Built entirely by carefully stacking coral stones collected from the sea — without the use of cement or mortar — these walls reflect the islanders’ unique architectural tradition. In addition, the old pigeon loft used during the Dutch period for sending messages, along with the ruins of an ancient fort constructed from coral stones, still remain as marks of colonial rule.
Beyond history, the island also hides many strange mysteries. The “growing stone,” believed by locals to increase in size naturally over time, and the gigantic “giant’s footprint” deeply imprinted on a rock, add even more wonder to this fascinating island. Untouched by modern transformations, the island continues to preserve itself through the authority of nature and ancient beliefs.
Neduntheevu is not merely an isolated piece of land in the middle of the sea; it is a historical document carrying within its heart the arrival of diverse cultures, the fall of colonial powers, and the overwhelming majesty of nature.
Translation by Hari
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