The Jaffna 'Manthirimani' building, which was already in a state of disrepair due to insufficient maintenance, has suffered further damage from recent heavy rains. These visuals reveal its condition. We had the power to prevent this situation from befalling 'Manthirimani', but we failed to act. This is regrettable.
Buildings need to be preserved for many reasons. As structures belonging to a specific period, as expressions of architectural styles, as they are connected to historical events, and as the historical identity of a race – buildings must be preserved. In that sense, all these reasons apply to Manthirimani.
The architectural features of this building include both Dravidian and European architectural elements, the building materials used, and the period in which it was built. All these factors emphasize the necessity for this building to be considered and maintained as a historical monument. According to information on the facade of this building, it was constructed in 1890.
It is said that there was an underground passage belonging to this building, which has now been closed off. Further research on this should be conducted.
The land on which this building is located is named 'Sangilithoppu'. I observed this when examining the land survey department maps for this area. The fact that the land where this building stands is named Sangilithoppu and the building itself is called Manthirimani highlights its historical significance. Given the proximity to other historically important areas like Pandarakkulam, Sangiliyan Street, and Arasakesari Valavu, it appears to me that the area where this building is located must have held significance during the Tamil Kings' era in the following ways:
