Kilinochchi is the main town of the Kilinochchi district north of Sri Lanka. The name Kilinochchi means, “Kili” meaning “parrot” in Tamil and “Nochchi” in Malayalam is the name for the Nika tree (Vitex Nequndo).

Kilinochchi town was establish in 1936 as part of a colonization project that sought to ease overpopulation and unemployment in Jaffna.

Kilinochchi was a town that was most affected by the 30 years war in Sri Lanka, was called the ‘the killing fields of Sri Lanka’. Many families were displaced and undrewent severe trauma.

From pre-historic times Kilinochchi has been one of the major agrarian cultivation areas in the island. Iranamadu tank, the Kanakpikai Kulam and Kilinochchi Kulam are the main irrigation sources for cultivation in this district.

The main source of income for most people in this are is farming and fishing. One of the biggest issues faced by the farmers in this area is the lack of water. Lack of employment oppotunities is another factor affecting the people of this area.