Politics

The Director General of the Central Environmental Authority has sent a written order to Sri Lanka Cricket, telling them to stop all construction on the planned Jaffna International Cricket Stadium in Mandaitivu immediately. This decision comes after it was found that the project started without the necessary environmental assessment report. Construction on the stadium, located on Mandaitivu Island in Jaffna, began on September 1, 2025, with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake supporting the initiative. At the opening, officials also announced plans to develop Mandaitivu into an international-level "sports city" as part of a long-term development plan. This sports city is expected to feature a swimming complex, a fully equipped indoor sports arena, luxury hotels and restaurants, upscale apartments, shopping centers, and entertainment options. The construction of the Jaffna International Cricket Stadium will occur in four phases. The first phase will allow the venue and pavilion to host matches. The second phase will focus on building the main grandstand and media facilities, while the third phase will add more spectator stands. The final phase will include the installation of floodlights for day-night international matches. The stadium, which will be built on land given by the Velanai Pradeshiya Sabha to Sri Lanka Cricket, is anticipated to hold nearly 40,000 fans. Reports suggest it will become the fifth international-standard day-night venue in Sri Lanka and the country’s seventh stadium for international matches.