Hundreds of Mannar Island residents protested outside the Presidential Secretariat on Friday (19), demanding an immediate halt to proposed wind power and sand mining projects they say have severely impacted their community.
The demonstrators accused the projects of being illegal and environmentally harmful, pointing to severe flooding, threats to the local fishing industry, worsening health conditions, and an escalating water crisis in several villages. Many also expressed concern over declining health among young children, which they attribute to environmental damage caused by the developments.
Over 500 people, including social activists and political party representatives, joined the protest, carrying banners with slogans like “Mannar is not for sale” and “Minister Jayakody, there are birds in Mannar.”
Residents have long warned that large-scale development on the island’s fragile ecosystem is unsustainable and risks devastating their livelihoods.
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