In a significant victory for the people of Mannar, Sri Lankan president Anura Kumara Dissanayake has ordered the termination of all new wind power projects on Mannar Island, instructing that no future developments take place “without the consent of the people living in the Mannar Island.”
The decision follows months of persistent demonstrations by residents, clergy, and civil society groups who have opposed the government’s renewable energy expansion in the district. For over 80 consecutive days, Tamils have protested against the planned wind farms, warning that they threaten the island’s fragile coastal environment, marine ecosystem, and the livelihoods of traditional fishing families.
Protesters argued that the projects, which were backed by the Ministry of Power and major private companies, were being implemented without proper consultation, environmental assessments, or consideration for the impact on the people of Mannar. Their campaign drew widespread support from across the Tamil homeland and religious leaders, including Rev. Kandaiya Jegathas, Superintendent Minister of the Methodist Church of Sri Lanka, who recently declared that “the welfare and voices of the people must be given utmost priority.”
The Cabinet decision, released today, confirms that Dissanayake has directed the authorities to halt any further projects beyond the three already approved.
According to the document, the Thambapavani wind power plant began operations in 2021, while the 20-megawatt Windscape Mannar (Pvt) Ltd and 50-megawatt Hayleys Fentons projects were scheduled to begin in December 2025 and December 2026 respectively. However, following the President’s intervention, no new projects will proceed without explicit local approval.
“The President has informed the relevant authorities not to implement the wind projects without the consent of the people living in the Mannar Island,” the Cabinet paper states. The Ministry of Power and Energy has been instructed to act accordingly after formal Cabinet approval.