What is Sankili Thoppu in Jaffna?

Sankili Thoppu is a historic brick-and-plaster archway in the Nallur area of Jaffna, believed to have been part of the palace of the Jaffna Kingdom. It is associated with King Cankili II, the last ruler of independent Jaffna, and was declared an archaeologically protected monument in 2007.

Is there an entry fee for Sankili Thoppu?

There is no entry fee. The arch stands in a publicly accessible area along the Jaffna–Point Pedro Road and can be viewed without charge at any time of day.

How far is Sankili Thoppu from Nallur Kandaswamy Temple?

Sankili Thoppu is a short walk from the Nallur Kandaswamy Temple — the two sites are in the same neighbourhood and are commonly visited together. Combining them adds minimal travel time and meaningfully enriches the experience of Nallur's heritage.

Who was King Cankili II and why is he connected to this site?

King Cankili II was the last independent ruler of the Jaffna Kingdom, captured by the Portuguese in 1619. The Sankili Thoppu archway is believed to have formed part of his palace's ceremonial entrance, and a statue honouring him stands near the arch today.

What is the best time of year to visit Jaffna and Sankili Thoppu?

February to August generally offers dry, settled weather in Jaffna, making it the most comfortable period for open-air heritage visits. The site can be visited year-round, but the northeast monsoon (October to January) can bring heavy rain to the peninsula.

Can I visit Sankili Thoppu as part of a day trip from Colombo?

Jaffna is around 400 kilometres from Colombo, so a same-day return trip is demanding. Most visitors opt for at least one overnight stay in Jaffna, which allows time to combine Sankili Thoppu with Jaffna Fort, the Nallur Kandaswamy Temple, and the city's colonial-era quarter.

Is Sankili Thoppu signposted or interpreted on site?

The site has limited on-site interpretation, particularly in English. Reading about the Jaffna Kingdom before your visit will help you appreciate the arch's context. The nearby statue of King Cankili II provides a visual anchor to the site's royal associations.

Sankili Thoppu — Lakpura®

Sankiliyan Thoppu—also known as Cankilian Thoppu or the Poothathamby Arch—is a historic archway located in the Nallur area of Jaffna, Sri Lanka. Believed to have once formed part of the palace facade of the Jaffna Kingdom, the arch now stands as a remnant of the region’s royal past and cultural heritage.

The structure displays architectural features blending local and colonial influences. Constructed of brick and plaster, it has a semi-circular arched opening. Though much of the original palace is gone, the arch remains a symbolic gateway and a focal point of Jaffna’s historic urban fabric.

Visitors approach the arch from Nallur following the Jaffna-Point Pedro Road, arriving at a modest but evocative monument. The site is quiet, allowing contemplative viewing of its inscriptions and structural details. Nearby is a statue commemorating King Cankili II, underscoring the arch’s connection to his reign and legacy.

Declared as an archaeological protected monument in 2007, the arch is accessible year-round and is situated a short walk from Nallur Kandaswamy Temple. The best time to visit is during the dry season when paths are clear and maintenance is simplest.

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