• Bird migratory patterns being scrutinised

Following various allegations and concerns raised by environmentalists about the delay in concluding the environmental impact assessment (EIA) process concerning the Adani Green Energy Limited's wind power projects in Mannar and Pooneryn, the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) assured that the final decision on the EIA for the said projects will be made soon.

Earlier this year (2024), the Board of Investment approved a United States Dollars ($) 442 million initiative by India’s Adani Green Energy Limited to construct two wind power facilities in Mannar and Pooneryn. The Mannar project is expected to have a capacity of 250 megawatts. Environmentalists however, have raised serious concerns about the potential impact on migratory birds, based on the findings of the EIA. They have urged the Sri Lankan Government to take immediate action to address these environmental issues.

When contacted by The Daily Morning yesterday (23), the CEA Chairperson Venura Fernando stated that the report is currently undergoing its technical evaluation, and that the CEA will deliver its final decision thereafter. "The technical evaluation is crucial to ensure that all aspects of the environmental impact are thoroughly assessed," Fernando said. He added that the public consultation sessions have been concluded, but that certain issues raised by experts regarding bird movements still need to be clarified. Fernando also noted that the technical evaluation is the final stage before the EIA decision is made. "We are committed to a thorough and meticulous review process. The concerns raised by some professors about the potential impact on migratory birds needs to be clarified," he added.

The Adani projects represent a significant investment in Sri Lanka’s renewable energy sector, with the potential to contribute substantially to the country’s energy related needs. However, the concerns raised by environmentalists highlight the importance of conducting rigourous environmental assessments to safeguard the country’s natural heritage.