THe Valikamam South Pradeshiya Sabha last week laid the foundation stone for a new Rs.330 million indoor sports complex, with ITAK Parliamentary Group Leader Shanakiyan Rasamanickam citing the project as an example of local institutions delivering development based on community priorities.
Funded by the Pradeshiya Sabha and built on land belonging to it, the complex is expected to provide modern facilities for youth, athletes and the wider community and strengthen sports infrastructure in the Jaffna District.
The foundation stone-laying ceremony was held under the leadership of Valikamam South Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman T. Prakash, with ITAK President C.V.K. Sivagnanam, General Secretary M.A. Sumanthiran, Rasamanickam and other local representatives and officials participating.
Rasamanickam said the Government had previously proposed an indoor stadium in Jaffna costing about Rs.170 million at the historic Jaffna Old Park complex. The project was halted by an interim order of the Jaffna High Court following a petition challenging the proposed location.
He said the Rs.330 million project showed that an alternative site could be identified when a proposed location faced legal or other legitimate issues, rather than abandoning development.
‘This is precisely why we need meaningful devolution. If Provincial Councils are allowed to function properly and are given real powers and adequate resources, we can develop our own areas according to the needs and priorities of our own people,’ Rasamanickam said.
He also called for a dedicated maintenance fund for the complex to cover electricity, lighting replacement, repairs and other recurrent expenses, arguing that the Rs.330 million public investment needed to be protected over the long term.
Rasamanickam urged contractors to adhere to the approved design and required construction standards, while stressing that infrastructure development should respect the law, historic sites and existing plans for public spaces.