2026-02-17 / Oral Question: McHeyzer Stadium, Trincomalee: Development (Q.7/1452/2025) 2026-02-17
## Summary
Hon. Imran Maharoof posed a written question to the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports regarding the state of sports infrastructure in the Trincomalee District. The member highlighted the absence of a nationally suitable stadium in the district, the abandonment of development works at McHeyzer Stadium, and the lack of turf pitches for leather ball cricket players in the area. He sought clarification on the reasons for halting the McHeyzer Stadium project, whether an alternative site would be considered if legal or other impediments persist, and whether new leather ball cricket stadiums would be constructed in Kantale, Trincomalee, Kinniya, and Mutur. Additionally, Maharoof asked whether the government intends to develop an international-level cricket stadium in the Eastern Province, and if so, within what timeframe.
McHeyzer Stadium, Trincomalee: Development
To ask the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports:
(a) Will he state whether he is aware that—
- (i) there is no stadium in the Trincomalee District that is suitable for holding national level sports competitions;
- (ii) the development of the McHeyzer Stadium was commenced, but the work has now been abandoned; and
- (iii) although there are many players in the said district who play leather ball cricket, they do not have a stadium with suitable turf pitches?
(b) Will he inform this House—
- (i) the reasons for abandoning the development works of the McHeyzer Stadium;
- (ii) if legal or other problems arise in the development of the said stadium, whether steps will be taken to construct a stadium with all the facilities at another location within the district; and
- (iii) whether steps will be taken to construct leather ball cricket stadiums in the areas of Kantale, Trincomalee, Kinniya and Mutur as well?
(c) Will he also inform this House—
- (i) whether steps will be taken to construct an international-level cricket stadium in the Eastern Province; and
- (ii) if so, the timeframe for the construction of such a stadium?
(d) If not, why?