Abstract:
The Dutch played a pivotal role in the history of European colonialism in Sri Lanka, governing
from 1658 to 1796. During this period, they administered the three Commanderies of
Colombo, Galle, and Jaffna, with the Jaffna Commanderies being the most significant among
them. Jaffna and its neighboring municipalities experienced considerable transformations in
culture during the Dutch colonial era, including adjustments to geographical names, literary
styles, and religious customs. The Dutch organized the legal system, instituted new
administrative frameworks, and encouraged the dissemination of Christian literature. In
addition, their presence helped to shape Jaffna's cultural heritage by encouraging a resurgence
of Hinduism and the growth of Christian literature. Dutch reports serve as valuable resources
for understanding the cultural transformations within Jaffna society. These documents reveal
various aspects of Jaffna's identity, providing insights into the political, economic, religious,
and social changes that occurred. Consequently, this study aims to assess the importance of
cultural changes in Jaffna society as reflected in Dutch reports. Employing both historical and
contextual analysis, the research utilizes primary and secondary data. The findings will
underscore the relevance of Dutch reports and uncover several previously unrecognized facts,
ultimately benefiting the Jaffna community.
