A mass protest was held in Mannar on Wednesday, with demonstrators calling for the immediate halt of unlawful and destructive projects that they say threaten the district’s Tamil people, natural resources, and fundamental human rights.
The protest, jointly organised by the Mannar Citizens’ Committee and local civil society organisations, saw large numbers gather to oppose wind power generation schemes and destructive mineral sand mining operations in the region. Demonstrators also raised broader concerns regarding land grabs, environmental degradation, and ongoing displacement of local Tamils.
The protest began at 9:30 a.m. and culminated in the reading and formal submission of a petition addressed to Sri Lankan president Anura Kuamra Dissanayake, handed over via the District Secretariat of Mannar.
"We earnestly request your immediate intervention to safeguard Mannar and its people," the petition stated.
The document outlined the years of peaceful efforts undertaken by the people of Mannar through appeals, dialogue, and engagement with various levels of government, all aimed at protecting their homeland and securing the well-being of future generations. Despite these efforts, they said, the community continues to face widespread violations of their rights and escalating environmental threats.
The petition condemned what it described as poorly planned and unlawfully executed development projects, initiated without proper public consultation. These projects, it argued, are violating legal statutes, threatening the local environment, and disregarding the dignity of affected communities.
Protesters called for the immediate suspension of all such activities and urged the Sri Lankan government to adopt development approaches that prioritise community welfare, do not displace local populations, and safeguard ecological systems.
Among the major concerns highlighted in the petition were:
1. Proposed Sand Excavation Project: There are plans to allocate approximately 90% of the total Mannar island to a private Australian company for sand excavation. This project, valued at an estimated LKR 40,000 Crores (approximately AUD 2 Billion), is reportedly designed for the company's sole benefit, utilizing existing loopholes in laws and government gazette notifications to increase their share market value in Australia. We demand an immediate cessation of all discussions and activities related to this project.
2. Uncontrolled Windmill Expansion: The expansion of windmill projects through various companies and implementation methods, often with the assistance of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), a state agency, is occurring without adequate planning or community consultation, leading to significant environmental and social concerns.
3. Illegal Indian Mechanized Fishing: The pervasive issue of Indian mechanized fishing boats illegally operating in Sri Lankan waters, employing destructive fishing methodologies that violate our national laws, is systematically destroying the rich marine ecosystem in the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Strait. This unchecked activity severely impacts the livelihoods of local fishermen and the long-term health of our marine resources.
4. Land Distribution and Acquisition Issues: Improper and illegal land acquisition in our district is denying the right to live and pursue self-employment livelihoods for the people of this soil. To date, approximately 4,000 families have requested land for residential purposes, and 800 youth have sought land to invest in and uplift their self-livelihoods and SME initiatives. Addressing these land issues is crucial for the well-being and economic empowerment of our community.
