Noting that the prevailing situation in Mannar regarding wind power plants has affected the residents of the area, the main Opposition Party, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) urged the Government to hold talks with the people and arrive at an agreement with the protestors

SJB Parliamentarian Mujibur Rahman told a media briefing yesterday (1): “If this development project led by the Government causes issues, the Government should hold talks with the people and provide solutions to their concerns. The people should be made to understand that this wind power project is necessary for the country. Accordingly, the Government should reach some form of consensus with the people.”

He said that despite information having come to light suggesting that the wind power plants could cause environmental pollution and affect migratory birds in those areas, the Government is yet to issue a response to these concerns, especially with regard to the impacts on the people and the ecosystems. This lack of response, he opined, has caused a tense situation in the area.

“We request the Government to be sensitive to the issues faced by the people of Mannar. Provide the solutions that the people are demanding and continue the relevant development projects,” he said, expressing opposition to attempts to deal with protesting people through the deployment of the Police.