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Natasha
Natasha
Oct 12 2025
22- 70 MW approved; includes 20 MW under construction, 50 MW at tender stage
- Sand mining in Mannar suspended amid environmental concerns
- Corrective measures underway to fix drainage, protect local habitats
- Failure to expand energy capacity could lead to power cuts by 2028
The Ministry of Environment has said that all future wind power generation projects on Mannar Island will be carried out with the collective consensus of the surrounding communities.
Speaking to The Sunday Morning Business, Deputy Minister of Environment Anton Jayakody stated that there were currently several large power generation projects in the pipeline to be established on Mannar Island.
However, he noted that the Government would not proceed with any new projects beyond those already approved without first obtaining the collective consensus of the surrounding communities.
Jayakody revealed that, at present, wind power projects with a combined generation capacity of 70 MW had been approved in Mannar, comprising a 20 MW project that had already commenced construction and a 50 MW project for which tenders had already been called.
He further stated that the environmental concerns pertaining to Mannar Island, which had attracted media attention over the past week, related to the 70 MW wind power projects and the sand-mining activities being carried out in the region.
“The 20 MW project had some issues. There was an issue with regard to the drainage system to enable the flow of water. However, some of the issues that are being circulated among the public are false. We have also temporarily suspended all sand-mining exploration efforts in the area,” he said.
Accordingly, the Deputy Minister claimed that following the intervention of the Ministry of Environment, corrective measures were being taken to improve the drainage system in the area to address the concerns of the surrounding communities.
Jayakody stressed that there was no widespread environmental degradation taking place on Mannar Island, as alleged by some parties, adding that such unfounded rumours had arisen due to a lack of proper knowledge on the matter.
Nevertheless, he stated that the Government remained committed to ensuring that no environmental degradation would result from the approved projects.
He further emphasised that the wind power projects must be evaluated from a cost-benefit perspective, noting that if Sri Lanka failed to increase its energy production capacity by 2028, the country could once again face a period of daily power cuts.
Source: The morning
