President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has informed the authorities not to implement wind power projects without the consent of the people of Mannar island.

Three wind power projects have been planned on the Mannar Island, which has been identified as an area with a high wind power potential, according to the renewable energy resource project plan for the island. Out of these projects, the operational activities of the Thambapavani wind power plant commenced in 2021. 

Two other wind projects, the 20 megawatts (MW) project of Windscape Mannar (Private) Limited and the 50 MW Hayleys Fentons project, are expected to commence next month (December 2025) and in December of next year (2026), respectively.

However, taking into consideration the matters raised by the general public regarding the environment and social issues that have arisen due to the projects, the President has informed the relevant authorities not to implement them without obtaining the consent of the residents. 

Accordingly, it has been decided to provide the consent of the Cabinet of Ministers to take action accordingly after it was informed by the Minister of Energy about the said notification from the President.