Jaffna International Stadium project hits environmental hurdle
The news that construction of the intended Jaffna International Cricket Stadium, in Mandaitivu came to a complete halt following a directive issued by the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) was brushed off by the baffled Sujeewa Godaliyadda, the Treasurer of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). Environmental groups have raised concerns over the construction of the multi-sport complex project on Mandaitivu, an island with a density of 202 square kilometres with a population of over 1500 located three kilometres south of the northern capital of Jaffna city.
“I’m clueless on this development, to be honest,” Godaliyadda told the Sunday Times, affirming that the speculated construction is not even close of commencing.
“The entire plan includes three projects – the ground, which is being readied to ICC standards, then the 48 acres expansion project of adding structures such as pavilions, spectator tiers, and other facilities for training and visitors,” Godaliyadda added.
Upon completion of the playing field, which includes 10 centre wickets with a boundary distance up to 80 metres, the facilitators will move on to the second project of adding structures within the allocated 48 acres for the international cricket stadium. Next to follow will be the feature of the plan – a complete sports city – that could be Sri Lanka’s first if completed.
“The whole story has been misinterpreted, as far as I’m concerned. SLC has obtained necessary permissions and approvals to complete the first project which is the ground. Not the other two,” Godaliyadda said.
According to reports, the CEA has received objection from certain groups that SLC, a main group concerned of the sports complex project, had not obtained the necessary Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) or an environmental feasibility report that should be acquired prior to construction.
Its Chairman, Professor Thilak Hewawasam affirmed that the CEA has already instructed SLC to halt ongoing construction until the entire process is completed.
“After duly informing all parties concerned, the CEA instructed SLC to suspend construction in Jaffna until the EIA process is completed,” Prof. Hewawasam stated.
Currently, according to Prof. Hewawasam, a team of experts are in the process of conducting the assessment of the construction and the project in Mandaitivu, which has been identified as an environmentally sensitive region with a delicate coastal ecosystem.
“After the report is completed and released and upon the agreement of all parties concerned, the CEA will open 30 days for any complaints and objections from the public. The final order will be issued following the entire process, and the completion of trials of objections, if there are any,” Prof. Hewawasam added.
However, Cabinet Spokesman Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa told reporters in Colombo that the government will continue construction, while coordinating the project with all ministries concerned.
“Construction will continue, and as all are well aware, there are procurement processes that need to follow and approval obtained prior to any construction. There’s no decision by the government to stall the construction,” Dr. Jayatissa said, while pledging the government’s commitment to ensure that concerns of all parties involved are addressed.
Responding to concerns over the environmental sensitivity of the area, Dr. Jayatissa assured that the government would pay due attention to the issue and that the relevant institutions would act accordingly.
The stadium is planned to be built in four phases, with the first phase focusing on the preparation of the ground and pavilion to host domestic matches. The government has expressed its intention to complete the project as soon as possible, despite the environmental hurdles.
“It’s a matter of meeting those requirements. Beyond that the government has no intention or taken a decision to halt the project.”
However, the project was forced to halt due to the devastating Ditwah cyclone, which occurred during latter part of November 2025 and its aftermath. Resuming activities later on December 29, SLC issued a media statement that the Jaffna International Cricket Stadium project will resume as projected, despite being delayed.
“Construction activities disrupted the scheduled work programme, including the first trial game that was scheduled to be played on January 14, 2026. Work has now resumed, and the trial game will be played following the completion of the upcoming ICC Men’s T20I Cricket World Cup 2026, which is co-hosted by Sri Lanka and India,” the statement read.
Godaliyadda further said SLC has followed proper procedures in its stadium and facility development projects so far, which obviously comes under the radar of the International Cricket Council. The incumbent Treasurer elaborated that permission and approvals must be sought from 26 different institutions to initiate any project and SLC has never failed to adhere to those requirements.
“For the playing field, yes, we have all the necessary approvals. For the structures within the 48 acres and the sports city, if it goes ahead, we need to seek approvals and permission, which is already under process”
The Jaffna International Cricket Stadium, which was initiated in September 2025, is part of a mega development project to introduce Sri Lanka’s first sports city in Jaffna within an area that spans 138 acres. The cricket facility, developed within a land that spans 48 acres, is promoted as part of SLC’s National Pathway Programme to develop the sport and its athletes in the northern region.