Mannar protesters under attack as Govt determines to go ahead with Wind power project

Riot police officers turned up last night at the protesting site to disperse the protesters from blocking the entry of cargo vehicles carrying equipment for wind power projects. Pix: Northeastern Monitor 

A group of protesters led by catholic clergy in Mannar came under attack last night (26) when police tried to clear the protesters who blocked the entrance of cargo lorries carrying wind power turbines to enter the island. 

At least four persons were injured including a Catholic parish priest when riot police tried to remove the protesters from the road around 10.00 pm last night(26). 

Over a month now, Mannar residents have been protesting against setting up two wind power projects alleging that the proposed projects posed an existential threat considering the eco sensitive region in the Northern province. 

Earlier this week, Northeastern Monitor reported that 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 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. 

Meanwhile, Mannar Citizens Committee called for a district wise hartal campaign to be observed on Monday (29) condemning the attack on protesters and demanding government to halt the project development. (Northeastern Monitor/ September 27/2025)