August 14, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has directed a temporary halt to two planned wind power developments in the Mannar region—a 20 MW and a 50 MW facility—despite both projects having progressed to the contract stage following the tender process.
The decision, taken during a high-level meeting held yesterday at the Presidential Secretariat, comes in response to mounting opposition from local communities and religious leaders. Concerns raised included environmental degradation, threats to traditional livelihoods, and a lack of implementation of previously recommended environmental safeguards, including those connected to a separate ilmenite mining project in the same region.
President Dissanayake emphasised that while renewable energy is a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s long-term economic and environmental goals, development initiatives must proceed with the consent of the people they affect. He highlighted the need for balanced progress, stating that energy generation is not merely a technical matter but one intrinsically linked to broader issues such as household electricity costs, industrial competitiveness, foreign investment, and national development.
As a result, both wind power projects will be suspended for a period of one month to allow for a comprehensive review of the issues raised. The review will focus on delivering practical solutions to community concerns, particularly in relation to environmental impact and land use.
The projects, which promise to generate electricity at a cost of 4.65 US cents per unit (approximately Rs. 13), present a cost-effective alternative to other proposed agreements—such as the deal with Adani Company, which would have seen electricity purchased at 8.26 US cents (around Rs. 25) per unit. The government remains committed to keeping average generation costs at or below Rs. 13 per unit, a key factor in its long-term energy affordability strategy.
Also discussed during the meeting were related infrastructure matters, including confirmed budget allocations for the reconstruction of the Kokilai Bridge and the implementation of the Mannar New Water Project—both of which are expected to bolster regional development.
Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody stated that the Land Reclamation Department has been tasked with assessing potential flood risks posed by the wind power installations. Meanwhile, other state bodies including the Department of Wildlife and the Ministry of Lands will contribute to a joint report addressing broader land and environmental concerns in the Northern Province.
The meeting brought together a wide cross-section of stakeholders, including religious representatives from the Northern Province, members of Parliament from both government and opposition benches, Deputy Minister of Cooperative Development Upali Samarasinghe, Ministry of Energy Secretary Professor Udayanga Hemapala, senior government officials, and delegates from the Mannar Citizens’ Committee.
