Special Committee Appointed to Investigate Mannar Wind Power Issues

17-Aug-2025

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A special committee has been appointed to investigate the problems related to the implementation of the Mannar Wind Power electricity generation project. 

Udayanga Hemapala, Secretary of the Ministry of Power, stated that a final decision will be made based on the recommendations put forward by this committee within a week.

He made this statement at a press conference held on August 15 at the Government Information Department in Colombo. He further emphasized that our goal is to generate 70% of electricity through renewable energy sources. Based on this, by the year 2030—within the next five years—we aim to reduce electricity tariffs by 30%.

To achieve this target, it is essential to acquire renewable energy at the lowest possible cost. Accordingly, permissions for such projects are granted based on three main factors: social, economic, and environmental sustainability. 

Permissions for projects are granted only after studies and reports on these factors have been completed. Following discussions with the President, a special committee has been appointed to investigate these matters.

The committee includes officials from the Ministry of Environment, the Department of Wildlife Conservation, the Central Environmental Authority, the Waterways and Drainage Board, the National Building Research Organization, and the Department of Geology. The committee has been given one week to complete its task.

The first meeting with the committee is scheduled for next week. The committee has been instructed to identify the problems within one week and recommend solutions, along with timelines and procedures for implementing them. 

Once the report is received, consultations will be held with the relevant authorities, and a final decision regarding the project will be made.