Mannar Kattalai Power Project Will Not Proceed: Minister of Power

17-Aug-2025

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The government will not take any decision that infringes on people’s rights or harms the environment. 

Accordingly, following the advice of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the Mannar Kattalai power generation project has been temporarily suspended, Minister of Power Kumar Jayakody stated.

At a press conference held at the Government Information Department in Colombo on August 15, he further explained that Mannar was chosen for the wind power project due to its suitability. 

Over time, similar power generation projects have been implemented in Mannar and its island areas, including two ongoing projects—a 20-megawatt and a 50-megawatt project (the contract for the latter has been signed). Previously, a 250-megawatt project had been planned in agreement with Adani, which has now been abandoned.

The area has potential for up to 1,000 megawatts of power generation, limited to land rather than sea areas. Future projects will be development-based.
 
Opposition to transporting materials for the 20-megawatt project has emerged, which was discussed last week with the President and local religious leaders. 

As a result, the project has been postponed for one month. He reiterated that the government will not approve any projects that infringe on rights or harm the environment.