The Wildlife and Nature Protection Society (WNPS) has called for the immediate suspension of construction activities linked to the proposed Jaffna International Cricket Stadium and Sports Complex on Mandaitivu Island, alleging that mandatory environmental approvals have not been obtained.
In a statement issued, WNPS said construction work had commenced by Sri Lanka Cricket despite the absence of statutory clearances required under the National Environmental Act No. 47 of 1980.
The society claimed that earth-moving machinery is currently operating at the site and construction materials have already been transported, even though no Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) or Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has been conducted or approved by the Central Environmental Authority.
According to WNPS, commencing prescribed development activities without prior environmental clearance constitutes a violation of the law. The group said it had informed relevant regulatory authorities and Sri Lanka Cricket of the alleged breaches but that no decisive action had been taken to halt the project.
Mandaitivu Island has been identified by environmentalists as an ecologically sensitive area comprising salt marshes, mudflats, mangroves, seagrass beds and coastal wetlands. The proposed project site is located near the Mandaitivu Mangrove Reserved Forest and within an area considered highly sensitive under regional planning frameworks.
WNPS further warned that the island functions as a natural flood-retention zone during seasonal rains and that large-scale construction could increase flood risk and weaken natural coastal defences. The group also raised concerns about potential impacts on local fishing communities dependent on mangrove and seagrass ecosystems.
The society urged authorities to enforce environmental regulations and ensure that development projects comply with legal and sustainability standards. (Newswire)
