The state-of-the-art wind power plant in Mannar, which harnesses natural wind energy using advanced technology, will consist of 10 wind turbines and is expected to generate 207 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. A special feature of the project is that electricity will be supplied at a cost of USD 0.0465 per unit, equivalent to LKR 14.37 per unit. The project is scheduled for completion in March 2027.
In addition, documents related to several regional development projects were handed over at a ceremony held under the patronage of the President. These include the provision of a fully equipped smart classroom with modern educational facilities for the Olaittuduwai Roman Catholic Tamil Mixed School; supplying drinking water facilities to 200 households in collaboration with the National Water Supply and Drainage Board; installing new street lighting along a pedestrian walkway from the Mannar Bridge to Thallady town in collaboration with the Ceylon Electricity Board; constructing new water channels at an estimated cost of nearly LKR 10 million to improve water flow; and carrying out canal dredging with the Disaster Management Centre to prevent flooding.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Power and Energy Kumar Jayakody stated that construction of the project officially commenced today and described it as a renewable energy initiative that not only strengthens the country’s clean energy capacity but also delivers essential facilities and benefits to the local community.
He emphasized that as a people-elected government, priority has been given to addressing public needs, and that this project will make a meaningful contribution to national development while providing essential services to the people. The Minister further noted that the support of religious leaders, political representatives, and all stakeholders in the region is expected as development efforts in Mannar move forward.
Providing further remarks, Minister Jayakody stated that the Mannar region has one of the highest wind power potentials in the country, and described the day as a significant milestone demonstrating the government’s strong commitment to utilizing this potential for national development. He also highlighted that this is the first wind power project in Sri Lanka’s history to secure electricity at such a low purchase price of USD 0.0465 per unit. Several other projects are also currently underway in the Mannar region.
He explained that for 2025, the renewable energy contribution target was set at 1,848 megawatts, but this was exceeded with 2,695 megawatts added. The target for 2026 is 2,078 megawatts, while agreements have already been signed for 3,089.5 megawatts. Similarly, although targets for 2027, 2028, and 2029 were set at 2,563 MW, 3,253 MW, and 3,943 MW respectively, agreements have already been signed for 3,822.5 MW, 4,332.5 MW, and 4,634.5 MW. As a result, instead of the planned total capacity of 9,759 megawatts for the 2025–2029 period, agreements have now been secured for 12,789.5 megawatts, demonstrating significant progress toward achieving renewable energy goals.
The Minister noted that studies were conducted on the region’s wind power potential, public concerns, and unique geographical factors. One key request from local residents was for strong government intervention in regional development. Acting on the President’s instructions, a special task force has been appointed to oversee development activities in the Mannar area. Particular attention is being paid to drainage and flooding issues caused by the region’s geography, with sustainable solutions already being planned and survey work currently underway. Progress is being closely monitored, and development programs are being implemented with the support of the District Secretary, political leaders, religious representatives, and other stakeholders.
He stressed that these initiatives are not limited to electricity generation alone. As a people-elected government, efforts are being made to provide essential facilities, relief, and tangible benefits to the public. The government remains committed to meeting these needs and expressed confidence that opposition members would also support these initiatives without division. Emphasizing that these efforts are not driven by political motives, the Minister called on all parties to unite in developing the region and delivering essential services to the people.
Chairman of the Sustainable Energy Authority Professor Wijendra Bandara, Ceylon Electricity Board General Manager Engineer K.S.I. Kumar, Hayleys PLC Chairman and Chief Executive Mohan Pandithage, and Managing Director of Hayleys Fentons Limited Hasith Premathilake also shared their views at the event.
Deputy Minister of Power and Energy Arkam Ilyas, Deputy Minister of Cooperative Development Upali Samarasinha, Northern Province Governor Nagalingam Vedanayahan, local public representatives, Defence Secretary (Retired Air Vice Marshal) Sampath Thuyyakontha, Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasuriya, senior officials of the Ceylon Electricity Board and the Sustainable Energy Authority, Hayleys PLC Executive Director Sarath Ganegoda, Hayleys Advantis Ltd General Manager Ruwan Vidyarathna, and other representatives were also present at the occasion.
