WNPS urge President to halt proposed Jaffna cricket stadium in Mandaithivu

The geographical location of the proposed Jaffna cricket stadium on Mandathivu island.

The Wildlife and Nature Protection Society of Sri Lanka (WNPS) urged President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to halt the proposed Jaffna International Cricket Stadium and Sports Complex on Mandaitivu Island considering  a serious threat it pose to the island's fragile ecosystems and local communities.

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

The environmental advocacy outfit also stressed 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 also 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. 

"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,"

"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.