Construction of the first-ever indoor stadium in the Jaffna District commenced today (Nov. 23) under the patronage of the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Sunil Kumara Gamage, marking a significant milestone in enhancing sports infrastructure in Sri Lanka’s Northern Province.

The ceremony was attended by Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development and Leader of the House, Bimal Rathnayake, Member of Parliament K. Ilankumaran, Director General of the Department of Sports Development V. Premachandiran, the District Governor of Jaffna, as well as several government officials and local residents.

The indoor stadium project, which has received Cabinet approval, was proposed by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports with the aim of promoting indoor sports and expanding access to modern sporting facilities in the region. The project is estimated to cost Rs. 170 million.

According to the Ministry, the new facility will cater to sports such as table tennis, tennis, badminton, netball and chess, offering improved opportunities for school competitions and community sports clubs across the district.

Officials noted that this initiative is part of a broader effort to revitalise sports and recreational infrastructure in the Northern Province, creating greater opportunities for youth participation and talent development in the region.