Jaffna

Not every kind of help needs tools or a car. Sometimes a walk, a phone call or a coffee together is exactly what someone is missing, especially people who live alone. Would you like to give some time for a chat in Nedun…

Almost every neighbourhood is home to people with many different first languages. In a language exchange two people learn from each other: half an hour in one language, half an hour in the other. Real friendships often …

Where do you actually meet up when you don't want to stay at home all the time? Youth centre, skate park, library or the meadow by the river: every place has its spots. Which hangouts in Neduntheevu can you recommend, a…

Your first own money disappears fast if you're not careful. A simple trick: write down everything you spend for one month, and you'll see where it goes. Put a small amount aside at the start of each month before buying …

Spring brings blossom everywhere, summer calls you to the water, autumn leaves glow and winter gets cosy. Which season do you love most in Neduntheevu, and what do you like to do then? Let us know!

Some words only make sense if you grew up here. Which local expression from Neduntheevu do you love, and what does it mean? Post it in the comments, ideally with a short explanation for everyone who moved here!

Moving somewhere new often means not knowing anyone yet, and that's exactly when a neighbourhood can show how welcoming it is. Just arrived in Neduntheevu? Tell us where you're from and what you're looking for. Everyone…

Tuktuk drivers wait at the jetty to take day-trippers on a four hour tour of the island. If you're staying longer, hire a bike from your accommodation, some of which provide them for free. 1 Queen's Tower. This British…

The Portuguese called the island Ilha das Vacas (cow island). They reportedly built a fort, introduced horses, and prepared pasture land for them. The Dutch colonised the island in a more organised way and also introduc…

Neduntheevu or Neduntivu (Tamil: நெடுந்தீவு, romanized: Neṭuntīvu; Sinhala: ඩෙල්ෆ්ට්, romanized: Ḍelfṭ) (also known by its Dutch name Delft) is an island in the Palk Strait, northern Sri Lanka. This island is named as Delft…

A raised bed in the courtyard, a community garden or simply swapping cuttings and seeds: gardening connects generations. People without a garden of their own are often happy to share a bed. Do you have plants, tools or …

Snow and ice are a real challenge for older or unwell neighbours. If you're clearing your own path anyway, you can often do a few metres more. Sharing a bag of grit between several houses saves effort too. Who in Valika…

Moving for training or university is exciting, but it can feel a bit lonely at first. Sports groups, choirs, youth clubs or volunteering are great ways to meet people quickly. And sometimes just saying hi here is enough…

Sport doesn't have to mean pressure. Bouldering, skating, volleyball in the park or running with friends: the main thing is that you enjoy moving. Many clubs offer free taster sessions. What sport is popular in Valikama…

Festivals, customs and small rituals connect people across decades. Which tradition in Valikamam West means the most to you, and do you take part yourself? Tell us about it in the comments!

So many nice things happen that never make the papers: a lost wallet returned, a new shop opening, a lovely celebration. What good news from Valikamam West would you like to share this week? We look forward to your post…

A sunrise over the rooftops, a front garden in bloom or a funny sign: home is full of great pictures. Show us your best photo of the week from Valikamam West and tell us briefly where you took it!

The current division and its borders date back to Dutch colonial rule in the 18th century, which used the historical region names with a geographic suffix marker. Jaffna peninsula was historically divided into the three…

Valikamam West (Tamil: வலிகாமம் மேற்கு, romanized: Valikāmam mēṟku, lit. 'The west sandy village'; Sinhala: වැලිගම බටහිර, romanized: Væligama baṭahira) is a Divisional Secretariat of Jaffna District, of Northern Province,…

A street party brings together people who otherwise just walk past each other. Check early with the council whether you need permission, share out tasks like tables, music and activities for kids, and everyone brings so…