Construction of Jaffna International Cricket Stadium in Mandaithivu is to go ahead as planned : SL Cricket

Name board erected at the proposed Jaffna International Cricket Stadium in Mandaithivu island. 

The construction work at Jaffna International Cricket Stadium (JICS) in Mandaitivu, Jaffna, is currently ongoing and progressing as planned amidst severe criticisms leveled against by environmental groups on the potential damages to local habitat. 

Sri Lanka Cricket (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.”, a statwment from SLC said. 

Sri Lanka Cricket further stressed  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.

Meanwhile, Wildlife and Nature Protection Society of Sri Lanka (WNPS) warned in a formal letter addressed to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake last week on the project saying development of the proposed stadium on Mandaitivu Island, is not only unlawful but poses a serious threat to Mandaitivu’s fragile ecosystems and local communities.

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 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 as a clear violation of the law, under the Coast Conservation and Coastal Resource Management Act. The Society is therefore calling for immediate intervention to halt the project before irreversible environmental damage occurs. (Northeastern Monitor/ December 30/2025)