The Small Expenditure Financing Facility will play a crucial role in supporting Sri Lanka’s target to achieve 70% of its electricity generation from renewable energy
sources by 2030, as part of its broader energy transition strategy.
ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka Cabinet has decided not to implement any wind power projects in the country’s northwestern coastal island of Mannar except three private sector projects amid continuous public protests, the government said.
The move comes after a series of public protests against wind power projects in Mannar, an area which has been identified as high wind power potential.
“Three (03) wind power projects have been planned on Mannar Island… according to the renewable energy resource project plan for the island,” the government said in its cabinet decision document.
Cabinet Spokesman Nalinda Jayatissa said all three projects will be allowed to be implemented.
“Out of these projects, the operational activities of the Thambapavani wind power plant…commenced in the year 2021. The start of operations for the Windscape Mannar (Pvt) Ltd, 20 megawatt wind project and Hayleys Fentons, 50 megawatt wind project, is planned for December 2025 and December 2026, respectively.”
“Taking into consideration the matters forwarded by the public regarding the environment and social issues that have arisen due to these projects,”
It said President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has informed the relevant authorities not to implement the wind projects without the consent of the people living in the Mannar island.
India’s Adani Group has already withdrawn its project in Mannar early this year due to disagreement with President Dissanayake’s government on the price.
The government later said it will call for expressions of interest for a similar project in the same area.
However, Cabinet Spokesman and Media Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said there will not be any project without the consent of the area people. (Colombo/November 4/2025)