A protest group leading a 100-day agitation on Mannar Island against the construction of new wind power towers said on Thursday it would continue demonstrations until the NPP government provides written guarantees that the projects will be suspended.
The group’s statement followed President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s directive to his cabinet earlier this week to halt ongoing wind power developments and ensure that no energy projects proceed without the consent of local communities.
Thousands of residents staged a large torchlit march on Nov. 11, marking the 100th consecutive day of protests.
The demonstration was led by Rev. Father Marcus Adigalar and members of the protest committee, drawing some of the biggest crowds seen in recent environmental campaigns in Sri Lanka’s North and East.
Opposition has intensified in recent months over plans to install 14 new wind power towers on Mannar Island, echoing broader frustration in the region over large-scale energy and mineral projects, including ilmenite sand mining approved without community consultation.
Protesters issued three key demands: the immediate suspension and relocation of the proposed wind project; a complete ban on ilmenite sand mining on Mannar Island; and compensation for environmental and livelihood damage linked to existing wind power projects in Thambapavani and Naruvilikulam.
Residents said the government must formally recognise these demands and issue a written assurance before the protest would be called off.
Leave a comment