Sri Lanka Halts Mannar Wind Projects Pending Public Consent

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka has decided to pause the implementation of two upcoming wind power projects on Mannar Island, citing environmental and social concerns raised by local communities. 

The decision follows a directive from President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who emphasized that no future wind energy projects should proceed without the consent of the island’s residents.

Mannar Island, identified as a high-potential zone for renewable energy, currently hosts the Thambapavani Wind Power Plant, which began operations in 2021. 

Two additional projects were scheduled to follow, with 20 MW planned for December 2025 and 50 MW planned for December 2026.