The People’s Struggle Movement held a special media briefing in Nugegoda today (6 November) to challenge the government’s recent announcement that the Mannar wind power project has been suspended and to “reveal the truth” behind the decision.

Addressing the media, National Executive Member Wasantha Mudalige said the government had officially announced a Cabinet decision to halt the project, acknowledging the severe impact it would have on local communities and the fragile ecosystem.

“On one hand, the government has had to accept what we have been saying all along – that this project poses serious harm to the people and to the environment. That is why they now say it is being stopped,” Mudalige said.

However, he accused the government of attempting to mislead the public through what he termed a “word game.”

“The government claims no new projects will be started in Mannar because of environmental concerns. But hidden beneath those words is the fact that the ongoing wind power project will continue as it is,” he said.
“Even while the Cabinet Spokesperson was telling the media in Colombo that the project is stopped, the Energy Ministry was in Mannar telling people they will proceed with the installation of 14 turbines.”

Mudalige said the community’s struggle has been specifically against these 14 turbines.
“These 14 turbines are exactly what will destroy the bird sanctuary and damage Mannar Island. The government is trying to distract people with fairytales, saying ‘we won’t do anything beyond this.’ The public must understand this deception,” he said.

He said the government had taken various measures to undermine the community’s protests, but even critics have now been forced to acknowledge the environmental dangers linked to the project.

He described the government’s temporary suspension announcement as a victory for the people, but warned that the government was attempting to use this situation to push its own agenda.
“We will not allow such manipulation,” he said.

The People’s Struggle Movement demanded that the Mannar wind power project be completely halted.
“Mannar is a highly sensitive ecological zone. There is no benefit to the country in pursuing development that destroys the environment and harms thousands of residents,” Mudalige said.

He added that the Movement would continue its struggle alongside the people of Mannar until the project is fully withdrawn.