Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) says work towards building the Jaffna International Cricket Stadium (JICS) in Mandaitivu, Jaffna, is currently ongoing and progressing as planned. 

In a statement, the SLC said that construction activities at the ground were temporarily halted due to the Ditwah Cyclone, which disrupted the scheduled work program, including the first trial game that was scheduled to be played on 14th January 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. 

Sri Lanka Cricket further said it remains confident of completing the construction of the ground within the planned timelines.

The international cricket ground will be developed on 48 acres, featuring 10 centre wickets, with boundary distances extending up to 80 meters. 

The construction of the stadium is part of Sri Lanka Cricket’s broader vision to develop a sports city in Jaffna, covering a total area of 138 acres. 

This landmark initiative constitutes an important achievement in promoting cricket development in Sri Lanka’s Northern Province and complements SLC’s National Pathway Programme. (Newswire)

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The Wildlife and Nature Protection Society of Sri Lanka (WNPS) has warned that the development of the proposed Jaffna International Cricket Stadium and Sports Complex on Mandaitivu Island, is not only unlawful but poses a serious threat to Mandaitivu’s fragile ecosystems and local communities.

In a formal letter addressed to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, WNPS highlighted that the site contains ecologically sensitive habitats, including mangroves, seagrass beds, salt marshes, and the Mandaitivu Forest Reserve. 

The Society emphasized that Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), the organization behind the project, has not obtained the legally required permits under the Coast Conservation and Coastal Resource Management Act before commencing construction activities.

The WNPS clarified that its objection is not to oppose the development of a sports facility in Jaffna, but to the placement of the project on Mandaitivu Island and the failure of Sri Lanka Cricket to comply with environmental law. 

Further, proceeding with construction without the required approvals constitutes a clear violation of the law, under the Coast Conservation and Coastal Resource Management Act, the Society said, therefore calling for immediate intervention to halt the project before irreversible environmental damage occurs. 

WNPS further notes that Mandaitivu is designated as a natural flood-retention zone and is regularly submerged during the rainy season. Its role in safeguarding Jaffna’s limited forest cover makes the island unsuitable for large-scale construction. Additionally, if built, the complex would be prone to frequent flooding and inaccessibility, resulting in continual repair costs and raising serious concerns about the wasteful use of allocated resources.

The Society also expressed concern over misinformation provided to authorities, potentially undermining Sri Lanka’s commitment to sustainable and green development. 

The WNPS has requested the President to halt the project immediately and investigate the guidance given to SLC regarding the site. The organization calls for adherence to environmental laws and careful consideration of ecological and community well-being in all development planning. (Newswire)

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