The Centre for Environmental Justice has formally urged the Central Environmental Authority to intervene in the ongoing construction of the proposed cricket stadium on Mandaitivu Island, citing serious environmental and legal concerns.
In a letter to the Director General of the CEA, CEJ Chairman Heamantha Withanage emphasized that the construction site, a low-lying coastal wetland, plays a crucial role in flood regulation, coastal protection, and biodiversity conservation in the Jaffna Peninsula. The area contains mangroves, salt marshes, seagrass beds, and natural drainage systems that act as buffers against sea-level rise, storm surges, and climate-induced flooding.
The CEJ warned that large-scale land filling, clearing, and construction for the stadium and its associated infrastructure could permanently damage these ecosystems, increase flood risks, and lead to irreversible habitat loss.
The environmental watchdog also raised legal concerns, noting the apparent absence or inadequacy of required approvals under the Coast Conservation and Coastal Resource Management Act No. 57 of 1981 and the National Environmental Act No. 47 of 1980. CEJ highlighted that, despite the issuance of Terms of Reference by the CEA, media reports suggest that nearly 60% of the construction work has already been completed, raising fears that the project is proceeding without full approval under the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process.
“This undermines the rule of law, erodes public confidence in regulatory institutions, and compromises environmental governance,” the CEJ said. They stressed that moving forward without a comprehensive EIA and meaningful public consultation sets a dangerous precedent, where high-profile developments override environmental safeguards, climate resilience, and community rights.
Citing the landmark Court of Appeal case Centre for Environmental Justice v. Anura Satharasinghe, the CEJ reminded authorities that powers vested in public bodies are not absolute but held in trust for the public and subject to judicial review.
The CEJ called for an immediate halt to construction activities until full legal compliance is ensured and urged the CEA to take urgent action to restore environmental governance standards.
