The President has issued a directive to immediately halt the implementation of new wind power projects on Mannar Island without the explicit consent of local residents, despite the region being designated as a high-potential area for renewable energy expansion. This decision, communicated to the Cabinet by the Minister of Power and subsequently approved, reportedly stems from environmental and social concerns raised by the community.
However, critics are questioning the government’s stance, pointing out that the directive appears to allow the continuation of a 50-megawatt wind power plant project owned by Hayleys Fentons, a company associated with prominent businessman Dhammika Perera, who is considered close to the government.
Mannar was initially slated for three wind power projects due to its high wind potential. One of these, the Thambapavani Wind Power Plant, successfully began operations in 2021. The other two projects, a 20MW project by Windscape Mannar (Pvt) Ltd and the 50MW Hayleys Fentons project, were scheduled to commence operations in December 2025 and December 2026, respectively.
Under the new presidential decision, any future energy projects on Mannar Island will require the full participation and consent of the local population. The government states that this marks a policy shift towards prioritizing environmental and social factors in development projects implemented in sensitive island regions, as informed to the Cabinet by the Minister of Power.
Nevertheless, critics argue that far from highlighting the government’s concern for Mannar Island’s delicate ecosystems and the well-being of its local communities, this decision raises serious questions about preferential treatment for certain projects.
