Government

Jaffna's administration operates on both national and local levels. * **District Administration:** The Jaffna District is administered by a District Secretary (formerly Government Agent) appointed by the central government, who oversees services across various Divisional Secretariats. * **Provincial Government:** Jaffna falls under the Northern Provincial Council. However, provincial councils in Sri Lanka frequently experience periods where they are directly administered by a centrally appointed Governor. * **Local Government:** The city proper is governed by the Jaffna Municipal Council, headed by a Mayor. The council handles urban planning, waste management, public health, and local infrastructure. * **Political Representation:** The district elects Members of Parliament (MPs) to the national legislature in Colombo, historically favoring Tamil nationalist and regional parties.