Karaitivu (Jaffna)

Karaitivu (; "Karaḍoova") is an island off the coast of Jaffna peninsula in northern Sri Lanka, located approximately north-west of the city of Jaffna. Karaitivu means "the island of karai shrubs" in Tamil and is derived from the Tamil words "karai" (Webera tetrandra, a thorny shrub from the family Rubiaceae) and "tivu" (island). Known as Amsterdam during Dutch colonial rule, the island has an area of . The island is divided into nine village officer divisions whose combined population was 9,576 at the 2012 census.
Karaitivu is connected to Jaffna peninsula by a causeway and there is a ferry service from Kayts on the neighbouring island of Velanaitivu. Karainagar is the main settlement on the island. The popular Casuarina Beach is located on the island.