Protests against a controversial wind farm project in Sri Lanka’s Mannar town escalated overnight as turbines and machinery were transported under heavy police protection.
Anti-riot squads were deployed late on Friday (26) to facilitate the movement of equipment to the proposed site, sparking a tense standoff with demonstrators.
The protest, now in its 55th consecutive day, has drawn growing opposition from local residents, religious leaders, and civil society groups.
At least three people were reportedly injured during the overnight unrest. Protestors accused the police of using force to disperse them.
Police said the situation was brought under control “without any attack taking place.”
Opposition to the wind farm centres on environmental concerns, with protestors satting that the project could obstruct rainwater flow and lead to widespread flooding.
Local residents have also expressed frustration over continued mineral sand mining on Mannar Island, which they say threatens the region’s fragile ecosystem.
The issue was raised with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake during a meeting with community leaders on 13 August.
The president had reportedly promised to reconsider the project, but protestors now accuse the government of backtracking on that commitment.
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