Environmentalists have called for the immediate suspension of construction work on the proposed Jaffna International Cricket Stadium and Sports Complex on Mandativu Island, claiming that mandatory environmental clearances have not been obtained.
In a statement, the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society (WNPS) said that Sri Lanka Cricket has commenced construction without securing the required approvals under the National Environment Act No. 47 of 1980.
The WNPS noted that neither a Preliminary Environmental Examination (PEE) nor an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approved by the Central Environmental Authority has been conducted. Despite this, earth moving machinery is already operating at the site and construction materials have reportedly been transported to the location.
According to the society, initiating such development activities without prior environmental approval constitutes a violation of the law. The WNPS further stated that although the relevant regulatory authorities and Sri Lanka Cricket have been informed, no concrete steps have been taken to halt the project.
Environmentalists emphasize that Mandativu Island is an ecologically sensitive area comprising salt marshes, mudflats, mangroves, seagrass meadows, and coastal wetlands. The proposed project site falls within the Mandativu Mangrove Forest Reserve, which is identified as highly sensitive under the regional planning framework.
The society also warned that Mandativu Island functions as a natural flood retention zone during the rainy season, and that large-scale construction could increase flood risk and weaken natural coastal protection. Concerns have also been raised about the potential impact on the local fishing community, which depends on mangrove and seagrass ecosystems.
The Wildlife and Nature Protection Society has urged authorities to strictly enforce environmental regulations and ensure that development projects comply with legal and sustainable standards.
