Tensions flared in Mannar this week as residents of Pesalai drove away a team conducting a sand survey for a proposed wind power project along the village’s southern coast.
The group, which had arrived with machinery to carry out preliminary sand testing, was confronted by angry locals who accused the authorities of moving ahead with the project despite widespread opposition from the fishing community.
On hearing of the team’s arrival, residents rushed to the coastal site and surrounded the workers, demanding an immediate halt to the survey. Sri Lankan police officers from the occupying Pesalai station were later deployed to the area, where a heated argument reportedly broke out between the officers and protesters.
Villagers blocked a tractor transporting equipment for the sand survey and staged an impromptu protest at the site. After hours of confrontation, the survey team was forced to withdraw under pressure from the residents.
The incident marks the latest escalation in a series of protests in Mannar against the state-backed wind power project, which locals say threatens both their livelihoods and the fragile coastal environment.
Earlier this week, the Federation of Fishermen’s Associations of Northern Province wrote to Sri Lankan president Anura Kumara Dissanayake condemning the government’s actions as undemocratic and calling for an immediate halt to the project. The group warned that continued disregard for local consultation violated fundamental rights and democratic principles.
Tamils across Mannar have repeatedly accused the Sri Lankan government and private companies of seizing coastal and fishing lands under the guise of renewable energy projects, with residents vowing to continue their resistance until their livelihoods are protected. Protests against the project have been ongoing.
