The Sri Lankan government has not taken a decision to stop the proposed Jaffna International Cricket Stadium project and intends to continue construction work, Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said.
Speaking at the weekly media briefing to announce cabinet decisions yesterday (24), Jayatissa said the government is committed to completing the stadium as soon as possible.
However, the construction work has been temporarily suspended after the Central Environmental Authority instructed the Sri Lanka Cricket to stop work until the necessary environmental permits are obtained.
Officials said the order was issued following complaints filed by environmental organizations regarding the potential impact of the project.
Responding to questions from journalists regarding concerns that the stadium is to be built in an environmentally sensitive area, the Minister said that all necessary procedures will be followed before construction can begin.
“Any construction project requires the completion of several reports, including environmental impact assessments and feasibility studies,” he said, adding that the project will be carried out in cooperation and coordination with all relevant ministries.
Minister Jayatissa said that the conditions applicable to such projects have now been met and that the government’s position is to complete construction once regulatory requirements are met.
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