The Illankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi has initiated construction of a new indoor sports complex in Valikamam South with double the funding of an earlier government proposal that faced legal obstacles.
The Illankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) has launched a Rs. 330 million indoor sports facility project in Valikamam South, marking a significant investment in sports infrastructure for the Jaffna District. The foundation stone was laid on Tuesday on land belonging to the Valikamam South Pradeshiya Sabha, with the facility set to serve youth, athletes, and the broader community with modern amenities.
The project comes after the government's earlier proposal for a Rs. 170 million indoor stadium at Jaffna's Old Park complex was halted following a High Court interim order. The court cited concerns over the site's status as charitable trust property with historical significance dating back to 1853. ITAK Parliamentary Group Leader Shanakiyan Rasamanickam characterized the shift to an alternative location as a practical solution to legitimate legal issues rather than abandonment of the development agenda.
Rasamanickam framed the initiative as evidence of what local authorities can achieve when granted adequate power and resources. He used the occasion to advocate for expanded devolution of powers, arguing that development decisions should not always originate from Colombo and that provincial councils require genuine authority and funding to address community needs effectively. He also emphasized the necessity of establishing a dedicated maintenance fund to ensure the facility's long-term sustainability.
The ceremony was attended by Valikamam South Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman T. Prakash, ITAK President C. V. K. Sivagnanam, General Secretary M. A. Sumanthiran, and other local representatives including the Mayor of Jaffna.
