Environmentalists call for halt to Jaffna Cricket Stadium project

21 February 2026 03:30 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 12 Bookmark

A A A

Join our WhatsApp Channel

Colombo, February 21 (Daily Mirror) - The Wildlife and Nature Protection Society (WNPS) has urged authorities to immediately suspend construction of the proposed Jaffna International Cricket Stadium and Sports Complex on Mandaitivu Island alleging that the project is proceeding without mandatory environmental clearances.

In a statement, the society said work on the project had begun under the direction of Sri Lanka Cricket despite the absence of approvals required under the National Environmental Act No. 47 of 1980.

WNPS alleged that heavy machinery is currently in operation at the site and that construction materials have already been transported to the area. However, it noted that neither an Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) nor an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has been conducted or approved by the Central Environmental Authority.

The society maintained that commencing prescribed development activities without prior environmental clearance amounts to a violation of the law. It said the relevant regulatory bodies and Sri Lanka Cricket had been informed of the alleged non-compliance, but no concrete steps had yet been taken to stop the project.

Comments - 12

Nihal Amarasekera Saturday, 21 February 2026 03:57 PM

Here we go

19 8

Dilshan Saturday, 21 February 2026 04:02 PM

Environment must be there, but progress should be allowed. Please find a win-win solution for this.

33 69

Vithuran Saturday, 21 February 2026 05:21 PM

What is the alternative site please? These environmental so called scientist block progress in every sphere.

3 15

Wagner Saturday, 21 February 2026 05:22 PM

Just check who is the Head of the Enviomental may be he is a SLPP pimp

33 28

Cause Sunday, 22 February 2026 01:13 AM

You seem to be blinded by jeppa mentality of politics

36 27

Jaffna Resident , retired Teacher. Saturday, 21 February 2026 06:47 PM

The Presidents decision to build a cricket stadium in Jaffna is a noble idea but his advisors have not done the homework in choosing the right location. This chosen site off proper Jaffna in one of those islands is patently a wrong choice, it is isolated and prone to wind and floodings and it would be a miracle if at least 25% of the schedule matches could be played in a year. Most matches would be abandoned and this would create so much frustration among specially the Jaffna youth. On top of that the area is invested with dangerous snakes and chances of spectators being bitten by snakes from snakes hiding in the chairs is very high. I would urge the President to immediately halt the stadium work and choose a site in the proper Jaffna and not in the islands . Proper Jaffna has so many safe and environmentally friendly places to choose a site for the stadium.

3 47

NO PROJECT SUCCEEDS WITHOUT PEOPLE's SUPPORT. Sunday, 22 February 2026 06:40 AM

I agree , NPP MP's and fishing minister Chanrasekar are not ineligible in the north .

0 1

mandayan Sunday, 22 February 2026 12:09 AM

The island around Jaffna has so much ample places for a stadium. Allipity, Mankumpan, Velanai, Naranthanai, Kayts can all be considered are best alternatives. Mandativu is close to Jaffna town and the government must move the Jaffna General hospital form the centre of the town to this island and there by free up lot of spaces in the Jaffna town to grow.

29 1

DR.NAGA Sunday, 22 February 2026 12:27 AM

HALF OF THE FUNDS ALLOCATED TO BUILD QUALITY PLAYGROUND FOR 100 COLLEGES IN THE NORTHERN PROVINCE.

0 0

Nilu Sunday, 22 February 2026 06:24 AM

Location is paramount. There should be extensive public (local) consultation, environmental group consultation etc. A stadium in Jaffna is a great idea, however it shouldn't be rushed like the Rajapaksa's did with all their wasteful white elephant projects.

0 25

bare facts Sunday, 22 February 2026 08:46 AM

Is this the cricket Stadium that Jayasuriya asked India's PM Modi for India's assistance to build a cricket stadium in Jaffna at a meeting during Modi's visit to Sri Lanka in 2024?

27 0

Gamini Goonetilleke Monday, 23 February 2026 08:20 AM

The aim should be to develop the game of cricket in Jaffna first. Cricket cannot be developed by building stadiums as we have seen in Sri Lanka. Who is funding the project? What is the cost? That money is better used to develop the game in schools. Start from there. Then go to clubs. Turf wickets, coaches, training centres etc. Are more important to develop the game.

0 0

222

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.