Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody has dismissed claims that wind power projects in Mannar pose a threat to birds and wildlife, describing such concerns as unfounded and alarmist.

Speaking on the issue in response to a question posed by the State-owned Sunday Observer newspaper during an interview, Jayakody said certain factions in society have painted Mannar as a “paradise” that would be devastated by wind turbines.

However, after visiting the area himself, he observed no evidence to support these theories.

“You go from Mannar to the north of Pooneryn; it’s just stale land. People talk about birds, but there are no birds there—nowhere from Mannar to Pooneryn,” he said.

The minister stressed the importance of integrating such areas into national development, adding, “If we can generate power from Mannar, why should we not?” (Courtesy: Sunday Observer)