During the weekly post-Cabinet media briefing yesterday (24), Cabinet Spokesman and Health and Mass Media Minister Nalinda Jayatissa clarified that the Sri Lankan government has not decided to halt the Jaffna International Cricket Stadium project. 

The government remains dedicated to completing the stadium as soon as possible.

Construction has been temporarily paused following instructions from the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) for Sri Lanka Cricket to suspend work until environmental licenses are secured. 

This step was taken after complaints from environmental groups about the project's potential ecological impact.

Minister Jayatissa assured that all necessary procedures, including environmental impact assessments and feasibility studies, are being diligently followed.

He emphasised that the project is progressing with the cooperation of relevant ministries, and the government’s intention is to proceed once all regulatory conditions are fulfilled.