A mass torchlit demonstration took place in Mannar this week as residents marked the 100th consecutive day of their protest against the construction of new wind power towers on Mannar Island.
The protest has continued as concerns mount over the Sri Lankan state’s plans, despite apparent pledges to halt any new construction work.
The demonstration drew large crowds and was led by Rev. Father Marcus Adigalar and members of the protest committee.
Participants marched with torches, reiterating their opposition to the proposed energy project, which they say threatens their environment, livelihoods and the fragile ecology of the island. They described their campaign as a “great non-violent struggle for the right to life,” aimed at safeguarding the people of Mannar and protecting the region’s natural resources for future generations.
The protest, which has become one of the longest-running environmental demonstrations in the Tamil homeland in recent years, has gathered significant momentum. It follows months of sustained opposition to the installation of 14 new wind power towers, and echoes growing anger across the North-East over large-scale energy and mineral projects imposed without community consent.
Marking the centenary day, protesters announced three urgent demands to the Sri Lankan government:
1. The immediate suspension and relocation of the proposed 14-tower wind project on Mannar Island.
2. A complete ban on ilmenite sand mining anywhere on Mannar Island.
3. Immediate redress for damages caused by the two existing wind power projects in Thambapavani and Naruvilikulam.
Residents said the government must formally recognise these demands as the will of the people and provide written assurance of compliance. Only then, they stated, would the protest be brought to an end.
Rev. Father Marcus Adigalar added that the torchlight campaign launched last night would expand into a travelling demonstration, moving from village to village across the island in the days ahead.
The Mannar protest has drawn national attention, particularly after Sri Lankan president Anura Kumara Dissanayake recently instructed the Ministry of Power not to approve additional wind projects on the island without the consent of local residents.
Demonstrators, however, say no formal assurances have been given and continue to mobilise until their full demands are met.
