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| The proposed wind power plants in the Mannar island. Courtesy: ST |
The National Peoples' Power (NPP) government led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake ordered to re- commence the Mannar Wind Power project with immediate effect despite ongoing protest by local communities against it.
A written directive sent by Secretary to President Dr N.S. Kumanayake to the Ministry of Energy dated yesterday ( September 22) indicated that the decision is taken to re commence the project that was halted due to public protest over a month based on the Special Committee appointed to investigate and provide recommendations with the regard to the wind power projects.
The written directive, seen by the Northeastern Monitor stressed that both 20 MW and 50 MW wind power projects will be carried out after considering the concerns of the "local community, project developers and the national importance of these projects in meeting Sri Lanka's renewable energy targets,"
The written directive came amidst the ongoing protest by Mannar local community alleging that the proposed wind power projects pose an existential threat to the Mannar island due to its geographical landscape and potential impact on local livelihood mainly fishing and farming communities in the district.
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| The ongoing protest by Mannar residents marked over 50 days this week. |
Over 50 days, local community in Mannar are carrying out a sit in protest at the Mannar town area along with religious leaders demanding the government to relocate the proposed wind mills on the coastal area considering ecological sensitivity of the region.
Accordingly, Secretary to the Ministry of Energy is instructed to re- commence the project activities while ensuring the recommendations of the Committee particularly "measures relating to public concerns including flood mitigation, fisheries protection, bird habitat conservation and community engagement".
"Given the strategic role of these projects in enhancing energy security, reducing dependency on high cost generation, and supporting Sri Lanka's economic growth, the Ministry is further requested to take leadership in coordinating with relevant agencies, local authorities and project developers to balance development with environmental and social safeguards," the directive stressed.
The Ministry Secretary is also requested to keep the Presidential Secretariat informed of the specific measures taken on the progress of the wind power project development as well. (Northeastern Monitor/ September 23/ 2025)
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