The A9 Highway connects the Sri Lankan cities of Kandy (Mahanuwara) and Jaffna (Yalpanam). It is said to be the life line for 600,000 people in Northern Sri Lanka. The major cities on A9 highway are Matale, Dambulla, Mihintale(Anuradhapura), Medawachchiya, Vavuniya and Kilinochchi.

Due to the ongoing war between Sri Lankan armed forces and LTTE, access to the portion A9 highway which lies within LTTE controlled area, is time to time restricted by both warring parties. Around 20% of the highway runs through the LTTE controlled area of the embattled north. At times the A9 highway becomes center of focus for the military and propaganda war waged by both parties.

The portion of the A9 that runs through the LTTE controlled area is not well maintained, and thus difficult for light vehicles to negotiate. Significant traffic of cargo in terms trucks, lorries and busses take place beyond Sri Lankan government controlled areas even to date.