Jaffna, Sri Lanka — Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has officially begun construction of the Jaffna International Cricket Stadium (JICS), a landmark development aimed at elevating cricket infrastructure and opportunity in the Northern Province. The foundation stone was laid today in Mandaitivu, Jaffna, at a ceremony attended by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Sunil Kumara Gamage, alongside SLC President Shammi Silva.
The new stadium will be Sri Lanka’s seventh international cricket venue and its fifth equipped with floodlights, setting the stage for high-profile day-night matches in the region.
A game-changing venue for Northern Province
The Jaffna International Cricket Stadium will be constructed across 48 acres and feature:
- 10 center wickets
- 80-meter boundaries, exceeding international standards
- 40,000-seat spectator capacity
- Full floodlight capability for night matches
The stadium will serve as the anchor project for SLC’s broader Sports City initiative, a 138-acre development that will include:
- Swimming pool complex
- Multi-sport indoor arena
- Star-class hotels and restaurants
- Shopping mall and entertainment facilities
Strengthening Sri Lanka’s cricketing pathway
This project aligns with Sri Lanka Cricket’s National Pathway Program, which is committed to providing equal opportunities for talent across the island. The Jaffna stadium is expected to be a cornerstone for identifying and nurturing cricketers from underrepresented regions.
“This is more than a stadium—it’s a symbol of national unity, sporting excellence, and a future vision for Sri Lankan cricket,” said Shammi Silva, President of Sri Lanka Cricket, during the ceremony.
Leadership presence underscores project significance
The ceremony featured high-level representation including members of the Sri Lanka Cricket Executive Committee and the SLC Management. The presence of the Sri Lankan President further underscores the strategic importance of sports infrastructure development in the Northern Province.
Once completed, the Jaffna International Cricket Stadium will be a key venue for domestic and international matches and a regional hub for cricket development in South Asia.
