Sri Lanka wind projects protest intensified during the President’s visit to Mannar as residents voiced strong opposition to large-scale renewable developments and mineral sand mining, accusing authorities of ignoring environmental risks, livelihoods, and long-standing assurances given to local communities.
Sri Lanka wind projects protest highlights local anger over Mannar plans
A growing Sri Lanka wind projects protest has brought renewed attention to tensions between national renewable energy ambitions and local community concerns, as residents of Mannar publicly objected to the President’s visit and the continuation of large-scale wind and mineral extraction projects on the island.
Local organisations say investors have been allowed to proceed with projects despite repeated appeals from residents who fear environmental degradation and threats to traditional livelihoods. Community leaders argue that decision-making has excluded those most directly affected, deepening mistrust between authorities and the people of Mannar.
Two days before the Mannar Windscape project was officially connected to the national grid, a detailed letter addressed to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake was submitted by V. S. Sivakaran, Chairman of the Mannar District Public Organizations Association. The letter expressed deep disappointment, stating that governance based on narrow priorities had overridden collective demands from the region’s population.
The letter stressed that equality and democracy must extend beyond rhetoric and be demonstrated through social justice. It argued that the voices of ordinary citizens had been sidelined in favour of development agendas that risk altering the natural and social fabric of Mannar Island.
According to official statements from the Presidential Media Unit, the 20-megawatt Mannar Windscape project, developed by Ceylex Renewables, was formally connected to the national grid on 15 January 2026 under presidential patronage. The project forms part of Sri Lanka’s broader commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
The Mannar Windscape facility consists of four turbines, each with a capacity of five megawatts, marking the first time turbines of this scale have been deployed in Sri Lanka. Authorities highlighted that the project was implemented entirely by a local company, presenting it as a milestone in the country’s renewable energy development.
On the same day, the inauguration of a separate 50-megawatt wind project in Mullikulam, Mannar, undertaken by Hayleys Fentons Limited, also took place under presidential patronage. Both projects were framed by the government as key steps toward reducing dependence on fossil fuels and strengthening energy security.
However, local groups argue that these initiatives have moved forward without adequately addressing social and environmental consequences. In the January 13, 2026 letter, the Mannar District Public Organizations Association said that ethnic, linguistic, and regional marginalisation had persisted for decades, regardless of changes in political leadership.
The letter recalled assurances given by the President in August 2025 that no action would be taken against the aspirations of Mannar residents regarding new wind farms initiated amid protests. Community leaders say continued construction has contradicted those commitments, intensifying feelings of exclusion among Tamil communities in the district.
Concerns were also raised about mineral sand mining, with residents claiming that operations have continued despite assurances that extraction would be halted. The association warned that Mannar’s strategic and ecological importance requires protection of its natural identity, rather than large-scale industrial exploitation.
The letter further alleged that work related to dozens of wind turbines previously associated with Adani-linked developments had not been fully stopped, even though the company had reportedly exited the project. According to the association, land acquisition and preparatory activities continue, fuelling uncertainty and resentment among affected residents.
Beyond renewable projects, the association questioned the government’s failure to release large tracts of land taken over by the Departments of Forest Conservation and Wildlife Conservation through extraordinary gazette notifications. It claimed that more than 221,000 hectares in Mannar District had been designated under these measures, including fertile agricultural land and irrigation tanks vital for livelihoods.
Residents say restrictions now prevent even legally owned land from being used, while access to forest products traditionally relied upon by poorer communities has been curtailed. The letter contrasted these limitations with the apparent absence of obstacles for military activities or religious construction projects in the area.
The Sri Lanka wind projects protest also highlighted unresolved humanitarian concerns, with community leaders pointing out that families affected by recent natural disasters have yet to receive adequate relief. They questioned whether development justified the erosion of traditional ways of life and long-standing community rights.
In concluding remarks, the association urged the President to take tangible steps to release lands, honour commitments, and respect the collective aspirations of Mannar’s people before proceeding further with wind developments. The outcome of this standoff is likely to shape future relations between local communities and national renewable energy initiatives.