- Reviewing the Mannar Wind Power Project
Today (3) marks World Wildlife Day and while Sri Lanka’s relationship with its wildlife is nuanced to say the least, this year, World Wildlife Day sees Sri Lanka’s public have an opportunity to make a difference to help shape Sri Lanka’s ecological future and help better protect one of Sri Lanka’s underrated global wildlife hubs.
This opportunity to make a change lies in Mannar – a region of immense ecological significance (flamingos in Sri Lanka, anyone?) – which faces a great deal of ecological upheaval due to the proposed Mannar Wind Power Project.
The Mannar Wind Power Project, spearheaded by Adani Green Energy Sri Lanka, aims to harness the Mannar region’s wind resources to generate 250 MW of sustainable energy. While the project promises to contribute significantly to Sri Lanka’s renewable energy goals, conservationists are concerned that it also poses significant risks to the unique biodiversity and ecological heritage of Mannar.
A recent press conference organised by the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society of Sri Lanka (WNPS) highlighted some of the potential implications of the Mannar Wind Power Project.
The importance of Mannar
Speaking at the conference, leading authority on environmental conservation Professor Sampath Seneviratne highlighted the critical role that Mannar played in the migratory patterns of birds.
“Mannar serves as a vital global hub for millions of migratory birds, making it one of the most important destinations along the Central Asian Flyway,” Prof. Seneviratne stated. “The proposed wind power project threatens to disrupt these migratory patterns, putting countless bird species globally at risk.”
Indeed, Mannar is home to a diverse array of bird species, including the Arctic skua, brown-headed gull, great knot, Caspian tern, and many others. These birds rely on Mannar as a crucial stopover point during their long migrations across continents. However, the construction of wind turbines in the region could prove catastrophic for their survival.
Moreover, Mannar is not just a haven for birds; it is also home to diverse marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Its coastal areas, mangrove forests, and coral reefs support a wealth of marine life, including endangered species such as dugongs and sea turtles. The deployment of offshore wind turbines risks damaging these sensitive habitats, disrupting marine ecosystems, and threatening the livelihoods of coastal communities dependent on fishing and tourism.
Furthermore, Mannar’s cultural and historical significance is also often overlooked. Its ancient temples, archaeological sites, and colonial-era landmarks bear testament to centuries of human habitation and cultural exchange. The proposed wind power project not only poses a threat to Mannar’s natural heritage but also risks erasing traces of its rich cultural past, undermining the region’s identity and sense of place.
The power of public involvement
Expert in environmental law, Attorney-at-Law Dr. Jagath Gunawardana emphasised on the importance of public participation in the decision-making process surrounding the Mannar Wind Power Project.
“The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the project is currently open for public comments,” Dr. Gunawardana remarked. “This is a unique opportunity for concerned citizens to voice their opinions and express their concerns about the potential environmental impacts of the project.”
The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process plays a pivotal role in evaluating the potential environmental, social, and economic impacts of development projects such as the Mannar Wind Power Project. In Sri Lanka, the EIA is governed by the National Environmental Act and is overseen by the Central Environmental Authority (CEA).
The purpose of the EIA is to identify potential environmental risks and propose mitigation measures to minimise adverse effects on the environment and local communities and with large-scale projects that have a national impact (like the Mannar Wind Power Project), EIAs are open for review and comment by the public before the Central Environment Authority decides whether to proceed with the project.
One of the key components of the EIA process is public participation. This ensures that affected stakeholders, including local communities, environmental organisations, and concerned citizens, have the opportunity to voice their opinions and contribute valuable insights to the assessment process. By engaging with the public, the EIA becomes more transparent, accountable, and reflective of community interests and concerns.
Dr. Gunawardana also shared that, from a personal perspective, he had found that the EIA did not adequately address the ecological and social ramifications of the project, urging the public to do their research as well and use this period where the public could comment on and raise concerns on the project. Interested parties can review the EIA report, which outlines the project’s scope, objectives, and anticipated effects and submit their comments and feedback to the CEA within the specified timeframe.
Public involvement builds stronger accountability
Prominent conservationist Dr. Rohan Pethiyagoda also raised concerns about the inflated cost of wind energy in Sri Lanka compared to global standards, explaining that engaged public review of the EIA could also serve to raise accountability about the project from more than just an ecological perspective.
“We are paying 200 to 300 times more for wind energy in Sri Lanka than the global average,” Dr. Pethiyagoda noted. “This raises serious questions about the economic viability of the project and whether it truly serves the best interests of the country.”
At a community level, the panel raised concerns about the potential implications of the Mannar Wind Power Project. Mannar, with its rich history and diverse communities, relies heavily on traditional industries such as fishing, agriculture, and livestock rearing. The influx of wind turbines could disrupt these age-old practices and displace communities that have called Mannar home for generations.
Stressing how the Mannar Wind Power Project could impact its wildlife, Prof. Seneviratne said: “The impacts on bird populations could be severe and far-reaching if the wind farm is built without adequate consideration for their habitats and migratory routes.”
Birds, particularly migratory species, rely on Mannar as a crucial stopover point during their long journeys along the Central Asian Flyway. The proposed wind turbines, standing tall and rotating to harness wind energy, present a clear and present danger to birds navigating through the area. Collisions with turbine blades pose a significant threat to bird populations, leading to injuries, fatalities, and disruptions to migratory patterns.
Individual action starts with public engagement
As World Wildlife Day dawns, Sri Lankans have a unique opportunity to make a difference and preserve the ecological heritage of Mannar. By actively engaging in the EIA process and submitting their comments, citizens can ensure that their voices are heard and that the concerns of local communities and environmental experts are taken into account.
The stakes could not be higher. Mannar represents not only a sanctuary for migratory birds but also a symbol of Sri Lanka’s commitment to environmental stewardship. It is a reminder of our shared responsibility to protect and preserve the natural world for future generations.
In the face of mounting environmental challenges, Prof. Seneviratne and Drs. Gunawardana and Pethiyagoda stressed that the Lankan public must prioritise sustainability and conservation over short-term gains. The Mannar Wind Power Project may offer a glimpse into the future of renewable energy, but it must not come at the expense of our natural heritage.
Info Box
The Mannar Wind Power Project EIA is open for public review until 6 March and can be downloaded from the CEA website.
Comments can be submitted to the Director General, Central Environmental Authority, Battaramulla (dg@cea.lk, copying gamage@cea.lk and nilmini@cea.lk)