407th anniversary of King Sangilian II commemorated in Jaffna

The 407th remembrance of King Sangilian II (Cankili II), the last ruler of the Jaffna Kingdom, was commemorated in Jaffna on Saturday.

 Floral tributes were paid at the statue of King Sangilian II situated along the Jaffna–Point Pedro Road near the Nallur Kandaswamy Temple. Religious leaders, politicians, business representatives and members of the public gathered to honour the king, who is widely remembered in Tamil history for resisting Portuguese colonial rule.

Following the tribute ceremony, an exhibition showcasing historical records and information relating to King Sangilian II and the Jaffna Kingdom was formally opened to the public.

Among those in attendance were the Adheenakartha of the Maruthanarmadam Anjaneyar Temple, Sivashri Sunthareswara Kurukkal, renowned Tamil Hindu scholar Aaru Thirumurugan, and the Chief Incumbent of the Jaffna Nagavihara Sri Vimala Thero, alongside political representatives, religious dignitaries and members of the public.

King Sangilian II, who ruled the Jaffna Kingdom during the early seventeenth century, was captured by the Portuguese colonial invaders and executed in Goa. He remains an important historical figure among Tamils and is often remembered for his opposition to Portuguese expansion into the Tamil kingdom.