CEJ raises alarm over Mandaitivu cricket stadium construction

2026-02-20 - 04:47

The Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ) has formally urged the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) to intervene in the ongoing construction of the proposed cricket stadium on Mandaitivu Island, citing serious environmental and legal concerns. In a letter addressed to the Director General of the CEA, the CEJ Chairman Heamantha Withanage highlighted that the construction site, a low-lying coastal wetland, plays a critical role in flood regulation, coastal protection, and biodiversity conservation in the Jaffna Peninsula. The area hosts 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 associated infrastructure could permanently damage these ecosystems, increase flood risks, and cause irreversible habitat loss. The environmental watchdog also raised legal issues, 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. The CEJ further pointed out that, despite the issuance of Terms of Reference by the CEA, media reports indicate that nearly 60% of the construction work has already been completed raising concerns that construction 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 highlighted that proceeding 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 a 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 the immediate cessation of construction activities until full legal compliance is ensured and urged the CEA to take urgent action to restore environmental governance standards. (dailymirror.lk) (Except for the headline, this story, originally published by dailymirror.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)