Attempt to Set Up 14 Wind Turbines in Mannar — MP Shanakiyan

22-Nov-2025

.

MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam stated that during the presidential election campaign, the President promised that no new wind turbines would be permitted in the Mannar district. But now, contrary to the wishes of the people of Mannar, the President insists that 14 turbines must be constructed.

He said that NPP MPs representing the Northern Province should take responsibility. Claiming that local people have agreed to the turbines is false.

He said this while speaking during the committee-stage debate of the Energy Ministry in Parliament on November 20.

He further stated:

The ministry responsible for bringing down the previous government is the one currently under Minister Kumar Jayakody. This ministry was severely affected during the economic crises of 2022 and 2023. The protests in the country also emerged as a result of its programs. Before coming to power, many promises were made regarding this ministry.

Taxes on fuel increased fuel prices. People voted believing your promises, but you have been unable to fulfil them—though there are ways they could be implemented.

If we study how countries with economies similar to Sri Lanka manage energy, we can learn valuable lessons. Nepal and Bhutan, for example, are far ahead in energy security. They have established cross-border energy links with India to ensure efficient management. Sri Lanka must adopt such strategies to avoid future energy crises.

By establishing fuel connections with India and bringing fuel through pipelines, we could reduce fuel prices. Developing the Trincomalee oil tanks would allow us to store reserves, preventing future shortages. We need not fear India—if anything, India should fear us, as Sri Lanka’s location is crucial to India’s security.

During the elections, the President made promises regarding the Mannar turbines. He said no new turbines would be installed. But now he says 14 must be built, against the will of the people.

There is discontent among the public. If a turbine were built near the Minister’s house, he would understand the disturbance caused by the noise. There are many such issues.

The people have not accepted the 14 turbines. As Executive President, you may build them, but do not go beyond that, he concluded.