Project Management, Southern Development and Youth Affairs Minister Sagala Ratnayaka said in Parliament a short while ago that the Galle International Cricket stadium would not be removed. 

"However, the pavilion which has been identified as unauthorized will be removed," he said. 

"That, however, will not make any impact on the ground. Both national and international matches will be played at the Galle stadium," he explained. 

"At the same time, another cricket ground will be constructed in the Galle district. Therefore, Galle, in the future, will have two world-class cricket stadiums," he added. 

A controversy sparked in some circles when the government announced plans to remove the Galle International Cricket stadium saying it was a threat to the Galle World Heritage site. 

It was revealed that the proper approval procedure had not been followed during the constructions of the cricket stadium.