“Neduntheevu” is an island located in the Palk Straits in the Northern Province. It is also known by its Dutch name Delft. The island’s area is 50 km2 and it is roughly oval-shaped. Neduntheevu is flat and is surrounded by shallow waters and beaches of coral chunks and sand. The vegetation consists of palmyrah palms, dry shrubs and grass that grows on the arid soil.
In the west coast of the island there remains of a 1000-year-old ancient temple built by the Chola dynasty and the ruins of a Dutch fort. The island could be reached by sea and it takes about an hour to do so. The local people earn their living by fishing and selling palmyrah products. It was an unforgettable journey as the island is famous for its unspoiled natural beauty.
E.A. Sanuka Sasnath Edirisingha,
Grade 7 A,
CP/Na/Mahinda Secondary School,
Matale.