Manthiri Manai – or Residence of the Ministers – is one of a few surviving structures at Jaffna’s ancient Royal Palace. The current structure dates back to the 15th Century, but the site was first built on by a Tamil king in around 100AD. It passed through the hands of a number of dignitaries from Jaffna’s ruling elite, most recently a minister.
Dutch influences can be seen in the crumbling façade of this building, which is adjacent to the other Royal Palace ruins Yamuna Eri and Cankili Thoppu archway.