The Wildlife and Nature Protection Society of Sri Lanka (WNPS) has called on President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to stop the construction of the proposed Jaffna International Cricket Stadium and Sports Complex on Mandaitivu Island, citing serious environmental and legal concerns.

In a formal letter, WNPS highlighted that the site contains sensitive ecosystems, including mangroves, seagrass beds, salt marshes, and the Mandaitivu Forest Reserve. 

The Society noted that Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has not obtained the legally required permits under the Coast Conservation and Coastal Resource Management Act before commencing construction.

WNPS clarified that its objection is not to sports development in Jaffna, but to the choice of Mandaitivu Island and the failure to comply with environmental laws.

The society warned that the island’s designation as a natural flood-retention zone makes it prone to flooding, inaccessibility, and high repair costs, making large-scale construction unsuitable.

The organization also raised concerns about misinformation provided to authorities and called for adherence to environmental laws, careful planning, and protection of both ecosystems and local communities.