The people of Mannar have entered their sixteenth consecutive day of satyagraha against the erection of wind power towers and mineral sand mining projects, vowing that their agitation will not end until the projects are brought to a complete halt.
The campaign, led by the people and youth of Mannar, has drawn solidarity across communities, with residents from surrounding villages, students, and religious leaders all joining in the protest.
On Monday, residents of Selvanagar joined the satyagraha, taking their turn in the rotational demonstrations that have continued daily in the central areas of Mannar town. Holding placards inscribed with slogans, demonstrators raised their voices in defiance of the projects.
The protesters reiterated their demand that the government abandon both the wind power towers and the mineral sand excavation. They also urged that Sri Lankan president Anura Kumara Dissanayake provide “a permanent solution to the grievances of the people of Mannar” in a special meeting scheduled with the Bishop of Mannar, Rt. Rev. Antonypillai Gnanapragasam, later that evening.
The day before, hundreds of residents from Pallimunai and Periya Karisal joined the struggle, alongside students from the Faculty of Arts at the University of Jaffna. Demonstrators wore black headbands as a mark of resistance, while Tamil and Muslim communities stood together in unity. They were also accompanied by religious leaders and nuns who lent their support.
“The protest will continue until the proposed wind power towers and mineral sand excavation projects in Mannar are brought to a complete halt,” declared participants.
On Saturday, the satyagraha was joined by hundreds from Vankalai and Thalaimannar, who gathered at the Mannar town roundabout with placards and black bands. Voices rang out against the destruction being planned for their lands and coasts.
The satyagraha, which began earlier this month, has grown into a grassroots movement that has united communities across Mannar. Each day, different villages take part in the rotating protest, ensuring the campaign’s continuity.
