Environmentalists Call for Halt to Jaffna Cricket Stadium Project

Environmental groups in Sri Lanka are urging authorities to suspend construction of the proposed Jaffna International Cricket Stadium and Sports Complex on Mandaitivu Island, citing serious concerns over non-compliance with environmental regulations and potential ecological damage.

The Wildlife and Nature Protection Society (WNPS) has stated that work has already begun under the direction of Sri Lanka Cricket, with heavy machinery on site and construction materials delivered, despite no approvals being granted under the National Environmental Act No. 47 of 1980 – including the lack of both an Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) and an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) by the Central Environmental Authority.

Environmentalists have identified Mandaitivu Island as an ecologically sensitive area, featuring salt marshes, mudflats, mangroves, seagrass beds and coastal wetlands – habitats critical for biodiversity and local livelihoods. They assert that commencing construction without mandatory clearances violates environmental law and could lead to increased flood risk, loss of natural flood-retention zones, and adverse impacts on nearby fishing communities.

The WNPS has informed relevant regulatory agencies and Sri Lanka Cricket of these alleged breaches but says no decisive action has yet been taken to stop the project, prompting calls for immediate enforcement of environmental safeguards and legal compliance.

Source:

https://www.dailymirror.lk/breaking-news/Environmentalists-call-for-halt-to-Jaffna-Cricket-Stadium-project/108-333586