T-Shirts
JAFFNA – Heavyweight T-Shirt | Black
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PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Knowledge. Memory. Identity.
The story behind it
The building on the back is the Jaffna Public Library in northern Sri Lanka. It began in 1933 as a small private collection; its grand main building opened in 1959. It became one of the most important libraries in South Asia – a place the Tamil community was deeply proud of.
On the night of 1 June 1981, the library was burned down. More than 97,000 books and irreplaceable manuscripts were lost, including ancient palm-leaf manuscripts and the only original copy of the chronicle Yalpana Vaipava Malai. In 2003, the rebuilt library reopened. It stands for what cannot be burned: knowledge, memory and identity.
The design
- Front: small “THIS IS TAMIL” logo with தமிழ் on the chest
- Back: “JAFFNA” – the Jaffna Public Library framed by palms before a red sun. Below: “Knowledge. Memory. Identity.”
Product details
Substantial organic cotton with a dry, slightly rougher handfeel – sturdy, full of character and made for streetwear.
- 100% organic open-end cotton
- Single jersey, fabric weight: 7 oz/yd² (240 g/m²)
- Set-in sleeves, side-seamed construction
- Elastane-free 1×1 ribbed neck collar
- Wide twin-needle topstitching at cuffs and hem
SHIPPING
Every piece is made to order just for you and shipped from one of our international production centres. Delivery usually takes 7–14 business days (remote destinations may take longer), depending on your country and availability. Customs duties and import taxes may apply depending on your country. Details in our shipping policy.
RETURNS
Returns within 14 days of delivery – unworn, unwashed and with the original tag only. Return shipping is paid by you. All details in our refund policy.
KNOWLEDGE IS OUR WEALTH
YOU CAN
BURN BOOKS.
NOT KNOWLEDGE.
For Tamils, education is more than school – it is dignity and future. The Jaffna Public Library was a symbol of that. When it burned in 1981, more than 97,000 books and manuscripts were lost. But the community rebuilt it. To this day, Tamils around the world collect books, found schools and pass on their language.
Read the full story in our magazine: The Jaffna Library: knowledge is our wealth →
- 1933 FOUNDED
- 97.000+ BOOKS LOST IN 1981
- 2003 REOPENED
கேடில் விழுச்செல்வம் கல்வி
KEDIL VIZHUCHCHELVAM KALVI
“Learning is the true wealth that never perishes.”