President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has ordered the temporary suspension of two proposed wind power plants in Mannar—a 20 MW facility and a 50 MW project—despite tenders being called and contracts already awarded.
The decision was made yesterday during a meeting at the Presidential Secretariat to address concerns raised by local communities.
Discussions focused on balancing the country’s energy needs and economic benefits of renewable projects with the grievances of Mannar residents.
The President stressed that while energy is a key national resource tied to electricity costs, industrial competitiveness, foreign investment, and economic growth, development must proceed with consensus and solutions for local concerns.
Religious leaders and residents objected to the projects, citing environmental damage, threats to livelihoods, and the failure to implement environmental recommendations linked to both the wind farm and a nearby ilmenite project.
In response, the President announced a one-month suspension to investigate these issues and find solutions.
It was highlighted that electricity from the project could be generated at 4.65 US cents per unit (around Rs. 13), far lower than the 8.26 US cents (Rs. 25) per unit proposed for purchase from Adani Company, supporting the government’s target to maintain average generation costs at Rs. 13 per unit.
The meeting also addressed infrastructure needs, with budget allocations confirmed for the Kokilai Bridge reconstruction and the Mannar New Water Project.
Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody said the Land Reclamation Department will prepare a report on potential flooding risks from the wind farm, while agencies including the Department of Wildlife and the Ministry of Lands will report on land issues in the Northern Province.
The discussion was attended by Northern Province religious leaders, government and opposition parliamentarians, Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody, Deputy Minister of Cooperative Development Upali Samarasinghe, Energy Ministry Secretary Professor Udayanga Hemapala, government officials, and members of the Mannar Citizens’ Committee.
