Work on the Jaffna International Cricket Grounds has been temporarily halted due to changes in cricket administration, with Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage indicating that construction will resume once organizational matters are resolved.
Construction of the Jaffna International Cricket Grounds has been put on hold pending restructuring within cricket administration bodies, according to Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage. The project, which was formally initiated with a foundation stone ceremony in January, encompasses an indoor stadium facility intended to serve the northern region.
The government had already allocated funds for the development with a targeted completion date of September. However, the initiative has encountered legal obstacles after a court case was filed against the project. According to Minister Gamage, the legal challenge was initiated by groups he characterized as politically motivated, though specific details regarding the nature of the court case were not disclosed.
The Minister expressed concern about the impact of the delays on the local community. He stated that residents of Jaffna, particularly young athletes, would bear the consequences of the construction stoppage. Minister Gamage appealed for the project to proceed without political interference, framing the sports facility as an opportunity for youth development in the region.
The timeline for resuming work remains unclear, contingent upon the resolution of the administrative changes within cricket governance structures. The status of the legal proceedings challenging the project has not been detailed.
