News Today: Govt. to Review Adani Mannar Wind Power Project: Protecting Biodiversity

The Government of Sri Lanka has announced a review of the controversial Wind Power Project in Mannar, associated with India’s Adani Group. This decision was communicated to the Supreme Court by the Attorney General, represented by Deputy Solicitor General Dr. Awanti Perera. The interim cabinet of the new government has committed to assessing the materials and concerns raised by petitioners regarding the project.

In a significant move, the Attorney General assured the Supreme Court that the status quo would be maintained for the project until the new government reaches a decision post-general elections. Five Fundamental Rights applications have been filed, seeking to halt any permits for Adani Green Energy Sri Lanka Limited (AGESL) to proceed with the wind power plant on Mannar Island.

The Supreme Court’s five-judge bench, consisting of Justices S. Thurairaja, A. H. M. D. Nawaz, Shiran Gooneratne, Achala Wengappuli, and Mahinda Samayawardhena, has scheduled hearings for the petitions on March 18 and 19, 2025. The Attorney General has until January 31, 2025, to submit additional materials to the court.

The petitioners, which include the Centre for Environmental Justice and the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society of Sri Lanka, argue that the project site is surrounded by three Protected Areas. They contend that the wind power project will pose significant threats to biodiversity and the welfare of local communities, potentially causing irreversible harm to the region’s ecosystems.