Douglas Milton Logu Soosaithasan

Mannar Island, a small yet ecologically significant location in northwestern Sri Lanka, has become a focal point of heated discussions and mounting opposition due to the proposed Mannar Wind Power Project. While renewable energy initiatives are vital to addressing global energy concerns, this specific project has raised serious environmental and social challenges for the island and its residents.

Measuring just 28 kilometers in length and 3.5 kilometers in width, Mannar Island is home to approximately 40% of the population of the Mannar District. Its landscape, largely only 0.5 feet above sea level in many areas, makes it highly vulnerable to environmental changes.

The Sri Lankan government has already installed 30 wind turbines on Mannar Island in 2022. The second project, which aimed to generate 250 megawatts of electricity through the installation of 52 wind turbines, has been met with criticism from environmentalists, local communities, and religious leaders.

In June 2024, key figures including environmentalists Rohan Pethiyagoda, Professor Nimal Gunatilleke, and Professor Sarath Kotagama, as well as the Bishop Emeritus of Mannar, Most Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Fernando filed a fundamental rights petition in the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka. They cited concerns about the project’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), which they claimed lacked credibility and transparency.

For residents of Mannar, the wind farm project has already had a tangible impact. Reports of prolonged flooding, previously unseen in the region, have surfaced. Rev. Fr. S. Marcus, President of the Mannar Citizens’ Committee, attributed these floods to infrastructure changes that blocked natural waterways. Villages reportedly remained submerged for several months, leading to contaminated drinking water and an increased prevalence of waterborne diseases.

The livelihoods of Mannar’s 70,000 residents, many of whom rely on fishing and farming, are also under threat. Local reports indicate that the construction of roads and infrastructure for wind turbines has disrupted the natural flow of floodwaters into the sea, damaging crops and reducing habitable land. These changes have also disturbed sand dunes and coastal ecosystems, which are critical for local biodiversity and fish migration patterns. The resulting decline in fish catches has directly impacted the community’s income and food security.

Environmental experts are particularly alarmed about the project’s potential harm to the region’s biodiversity. Mannar Island is a critical stopover along the Central Asian Flyway, a major migration route for millions of birds. As a globally recognized wintering site for numerous bird species, including some classified as critically endangered, the area holds immense ecological significance. Prof. Sampath Seneviratne’s research highlights the global implications, revealing that many migratory birds, some with home ranges extending to the Arctic Circle, rely heavily on Mannar Island’s habitats. Environmentalists argue that other locations in Sri Lanka with higher wind power potential could be developed instead, sparing Mannar from unsustainable projects.

The project has also faced criticism from religious leaders and community advocates.

Most Rev. Dr. Anthonypillai Gnanapragasam, the bishop of Mannar and Mawlavi Azim have both expressed concerns over the acquisition of private lands for the project and the lack of consultation with affected communities. They have pointed out that blocked waterways due to wind farm infrastructure have caused persistent flooding, further disrupting agriculture and displacing residents.

Mannar Island, situated in a historically rich region, is predominantly Catholic, with its population deeply rooted in Christian faith. The island carries significant sacredness for its Catholic residents due to its profound historical and spiritual heritage. It is notably remembered as the site where up to 600 martyrs were killed for their Christian faith in the 16th century. This tragic event has left an indelible mark on the island’s identity. For many years, the Diocese of Mannar has been actively leading efforts to honour these ancestors, aiming for their recognition as saints by the Catholic Church. The terrain of Mannar Island holds a special sanctity, reflecting the enduring faith and reverence of its Catholic community.

Amid growing controversy, the original developer, Adani Green Energy Limited, withdrew from the project in February 2025. The debate over whether this withdrawal is temporary or permanent continues among locals today.

The Mannar Island wind power project underscores the complex interplay between development and conservation. As debates continue, it remains imperative for decision-makers to strike a balance that ensures sustainable progress without sacrificing ecological integrity or human well-being.

Photo: Mr. Mohan