Mannar Island, Sri Lanka’s largest island, is at the heart of a growing resistance against large-scale development projects that threaten its fragile ecosystem and the livelihoods of its 75,000 residents. The island, lying mostly below sea level, is home to fishing and farming communities and is part of a globally recognized biodiversity hotspot.
Development vs. Survival
Local communities are protesting two major projects:
- Wind Power Expansion: The Mannar Wind Power Park, launched in 2019 with support from the Asian Development Bank, already operates 30 turbines. Plans are underway to expand capacity by another 200 MW.
- Titanium Sand Mining: Australian company Titanium Sands Limited aims to extract ilmenite and other minerals, raising fears of irreversible environmental damage.
Residents argue these projects are being pushed forward without proper consultation, environmental safeguards, or respect for local livelihoods. They cite blocked waterways, increased flooding, declining fish stocks, and displacement as direct consequences of the wind farms.
Voices from the Ground
- Brinda, a student from Jaffna, warns that continued excavation could lead to seawater intrusion, loss of freshwater, and destruction of habitats.
- Rakulan Uthayanayaky Kandasamy, an environmental activist, highlights the dangers of deep mining and the lack of independent environmental assessments.
- Fisherman Robert reports drastic reductions in fish catches and worsening living conditions due to stagnant floodwaters.
Karu Nilam Protest & Government Response
On August 6, youth-led protests under the banner Karu Nilam (Black Soil) began, demanding a halt to wind farm expansion without community consent. By August 13, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake responded by suspending two wind power plants for one month pending environmental and social reviews. He also promised to stop mineral sand mining after a meeting with the Bishop of Mannar on August 18.
Government agencies have been tasked with assessing flood risks, conducting joint environmental reports, and developing a framework to address community grievances.
Mannar Island’s Stand Against Unplanned Development
Mannar Island, Sri Lanka’s largest and ecologically sensitive island, is witnessing growing resistance from its 75,000 residents against two major development projects: wind power expansion and titanium sand mining. Locals argue these initiatives threaten their environment, livelihoods, and cultural heritage.
Key Issues
- Wind Farms have disrupted natural water flows, caused flooding, and harmed fishing yields.
- Sand Mining, led by an Australian firm, risks groundwater contamination and long-term ecological damage.
Community Voices
Activists and residents—including students, fishermen, and environmentalists—warn of irreversible harm and demand genuine consultation. They highlight the lack of independent environmental assessments and the displacement of vulnerable communities.
Protest & Government Action
The Karu Nilam protest began on August 6, prompting President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to temporarily suspend two wind farm projects and pledge to halt sand mining. The government has committed to reviewing environmental impacts and developing a framework for resolving disputes.
Mannar’s struggle is a call for development that prioritizes people, sustainability, and justice—not just profit.
This isn’t just a local protest—it’s a powerful call for development that respects people, nature, and the future. Mannar’s story echoes global struggles where communities demand a seat at the table before their land is reshaped in the name of progress.
( This is a summarised version of an article published by Shabeer Mohamed in the Sunday Observer. Photos by Shabeer Mohamed)