A leading and century-old cricket institution, Colts Cricket Club, has called on Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) to ensure transparency and clarity regarding the proposed Jaffna Sports City project in Mandathivu before it is approved.
In a letter addressed to the SLC Secretary, Club President Nishantha Ranatunga and Secretary Shiran Abeysekera urged that all member clubs and stakeholders be fully informed about the project before any resolution is put to a vote.
While expressing support in principle for the initiative aimed at developing cricket infrastructure and expanding the sport across Sri Lanka, the club raised several concerns about governance, financial transparency, and legal procedures.
The club emphasized that a proposed constitutional amendment must first be approved before proceeding with the project, warning that failure to do so could expose the resolution to legal challenges.
It also highlighted the lack of clarity regarding the project’s overall cost, funding structure, and potential financial risks, stressing the need to protect allocations meant for domestic cricket and member clubs.
Concerns were further raised about the wide powers granted to SLC’s Executive Committee without clear financial limits or mandatory approval checkpoints, which the club said could weaken accountability.
The club recommended establishing an independent oversight mechanism, along with regular reporting and auditing processes, to ensure transparency throughout the project’s implementation.
Additionally, it called for greater clarity on land acquisition, government approvals, and regulatory requirements, noting that these factors pose significant execution risks.
The club concluded by urging SLC to present a detailed and phased implementation plan, supported by proper government and ministerial approvals, before moving forward with the project.
