Fr Marcus Adigalar, Chairperson of the Mannar Citizens’ Committee, has issued a strong warning to the Sri Lankan government, cautioning that large-scale protests will erupt if authorities fail to intervene and uphold the fundamental rights of local Tamil communities.
Speaking at a press conference held on Wednesday at the Mannar Citizens’ Committee office, Fr Adigalar condemned ongoing developments in the region that, he said, continue to disregard the will and rights of the people. He particularly highlighted the expansion of wind turbine installations on Mannar Island, warning that local resistance is growing.
Despite strong public opposition, various companies and institutions continue to exploit the region’s natural resources, he said, citing mineral sand excavation and the latest wind power projects as examples.
According to Fr Adigalar, in addition to the 30 wind turbines already constructed in Mannar, a further five are currently being erected with the support of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) and private companies. These efforts have proceeded despite ongoing protests from local residents, who have voiced serious concerns over the environmental and socio-economic impacts of the projects.
He announced that a one-week grace period has been granted to authorities to halt construction and relocate the proposed turbines, warning of severe consequences if the demands of the people are ignored.
If the project is not stopped and the people are forced to act on their own, the consequences could result in damages amounting to billions of rupees, he warned.
Fr Adigalar emphasised that the people of Mannar have an inherent right to protect their land and resources. The right to protect the land belongs to the people who live on it, he stated.
He further called on the Sri Lankan government to immediately halt the installation of the new turbines and take concrete steps to protect the people’s right to a secure livelihood.
His remarks come amid ongoing concerns across the North-East over resource exploitation, land acquisition, and militarisation, often carried out without consultation or consent from Tamils. Activists and civil society organisations have repeatedly criticised state-backed development projects that marginalise local voices and prioritise commercial or military interests.
The warning from Mannar follows similar calls from residents in other parts of the Tamil homeland, where land and resource disputes continue to trigger protests and legal battles. Fr Adigalar reiterated that the struggle would continue until justice is secured for the people of Mannar.
The people are prepared to launch a mass struggle to protect their rights and resources, he concluded.
