The Cabinet has approved awarding the construction contract for Lot A of the Mullikulam Wind Power Transmission Project, a key initiative to strengthen Sri Lanka’s renewable energy infrastructure. 

The project, which was cleared earlier this year, consists of two components, Lot A and Lot B. 

While the contract for Lot B has now been finalized, bidding for Lot A was conducted under international competitive procurement procedures, attracting four bids.

Following evaluation by the High‑Level Procurement Committee, the contract for Lot A has been awarded to RS Infraprojects (PVT) LTD of India, identified as the lowest responsive bidder. 

The deal is valued at USD 6.045 million, equivalent to Rs. 499.66 million, tax‑free on the combined value. 

Lot A covers the construction of the input side of the Mullikulam 220/33 kV grid substation and two 220 kV transmission lines. The proposal, presented by the Minister of Power, was endorsed by the Cabinet. (Newswire)

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In line with the Government’s plan to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, the 50-megawatt wind power project being developed by Hayleys Fentons Limited in the Mullikulam area of Mannar was officially launched this morning (15) under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

The state-of-the-art wind power plant, which harnesses Mannar’s natural wind potential, will consist of 10 wind turbines and is expected to generate 207 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually.

Electricity from the project will be supplied at a rate of US cents 4.65 per unit, equivalent to Rs. 14.37, marking a key highlight of the initiative.

The project is scheduled for completion in March 2027. (Newswire)

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Dismissing claims that wind power projects in Mannar pose a threat to birds and wildlife, Minister of Energy Kumara Jayakody described the area as stale land.

According to the Sunday Observer, the minister said claims of a threat to birds in the area were unfounded. 

Revealing he had visited the area, Minister Jayakody said there was no evidence to support the claims, adding that from Mannar to the north of Pooneryn was just stale land.

He pointed out that certain factions in society have painted Mannar as a “paradise” that would be devastated by wind turbines.

He said that the stretch from Mannar to the north of Pooneryn was barren land, and although people talked about birds, there were none along that route. (Newswire)

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The Fundamental Rights (FR) petition filed at the Supreme Court seeking the annulment of the decision to award the construction of a wind power plant in Mannar to India’s Adani Group, has been withdrawn.

The withdrawal comes after the Attorney General had filed a motion with the court stating that the Indian company Adani had informed the Chairman of the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka (BOI) in writing that it would withdraw the relevant project.

Following this, the petitioner today withdrew their FR petition filed at the Supreme Court. 

The petition was filed by the Wildlife Nature Protection Society (WNPS) challenging the cabinet decision announced in May 2024 on the Adani deal. 

Commenting on the petition, WNPS said it withdrew its legal petition before the Supreme Court following confirmation that Adani Green Energy has officially withdrawn from the proposed Mannar Island wind power project.

In a statement, WNPS said during today’s hearing, the Attorney General’s Department submitted a letter dated February 12, 2025, from Adani Green Energy to the Board of Investment (BOI), stating their decision to pull out of the project. It was further submitted by the Deputy Solicitor General that the withdrawal was further confirmed through direct communication between the Ministry of Energy and Adani’s local agent. As a result, WNPS, through its legal counsel, moved to withdraw its application.

Mannar Island is a globally significant ecological hotspot, serving as a critical stopover along the Central Asian Flyway, where millions of migratory birds from over 30 countries travel annually. Scientific research, including satellite-assisted tracking, has underscored the island’s irreplaceable role in global bird migration, biodiversity conservation, and Sri Lanka’s thriving wildlife tourism industry. WNPS has long warned that the proposed wind farm would have caused severe ecological and socio-economic disruptions, violating international conservation commitments and threatening local communities.

This outcome marks a significant victory in the ongoing efforts to protect Mannar Island’s fragile ecosystem. WNPS remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that all future development projects prioritize environmental sustainability and adhere to rigorous scientific assessments. The Society will continue to monitor the situation closely and take necessary action should any attempt be made to revive the project.

Mr. Sanjeeva Jayawardena Presidents Counsel with Prashanthi Mahindaratne, Dilumi de Alwis, Revan Weerasinghe and Rukshan Senadheera Attorneys-at-law instructed by S W Amila Kumara appeared on behalf of WNPS

WNPS had filed the petition challenging the Cabinet decision to award the tender to the Adani Group, authorizing the Government of Sri Lanka to enter into a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Adani at a rate of 8.26 US cents per kWh unit for the next 20 years.

If implemented, the Adani wind power project would have marked the largest renewable energy investment in Sri Lanka, valued at US$1 billion.

It was proposed to be the country’s largest wind power plant, with a capacity of 484 MW, expected to be completed in record time. (Newswire)

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The Adani Group on Thursday said that it has pulled out of further engagement in a $442 million wind power venture in Sri Lanka after the country’s authorities attempted to modify the agreement.

In a media statement, the group wrote, “Adani Green Energy has conveyed its Board’s decision to respectfully withdraw from further engagement in the RE wind energy project and two transmission projects in Sri Lanka. However, we remain committed to Sri Lanka and are open to future collaboration if the Government of Sri Lanka so desires.” (Newswire)

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India’s Adani Green Energy has reportedly decided to withdraw from its US$1 billion wind energy project in Sri Lanka.

Despite securing most approvals, the company cited delays, including unresolved environmental clearance and a Supreme Court case.

With a new committee set to renegotiate terms, Adani Green has reportedly informed Sri Lanka’s Board of Investment (BOI) of its decision to “respectfully withdraw”, but remains open to future collaborations, Newswire learns.

However, an official statement from the Adani Group is yet to be released, while an official response from Sri Lanka is also awaited. (Newswire)

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The government has commenced the process of reviewing the prices offered by India’s Adani Group for the 484 MW wind power plant project in Mannar and Pooneryn in the Northern Province, Cabinet Spokesman Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said. 

Responding to queries on the Adani project, Minister Nalinda Jayatissa clarified that the project has not been suspended, but steps are being taken to amend the prices to ensure it is beneficial for Sri Lanka.

He told the media today that the government was working to adjust the proposed prices of the Adani group to be beneficial for Sri Lanka and that the review in this regard had commenced.

Minister Jayatissa said attention has also been focussed on sending a delegation to India for further talks related to the project.

His remarks were in response to queries over recent reports of Sri Lanka cancelling the conglomerate’s over $400 million project.

Recently, local media reported that the Sri Lankan government has decided to revoke the contract awarded to India’s Adani Group for the 484 MW of wind power plants in Mannar and Pooneryn signed under the Ranil Wickremesinghe regime in June last year.

When inquired by Newswire, a Senior Government official said the decision was taken as the Adani Green Energy SL Ltd has proposed US cents 8.26 per kilowatt hour while local bidders have offered prices as low as 4.88 US cents.

He further said that as the revocation requires a standard procedure, the Cabinet of Ministers has appointed a committee to review the agreement and submit recommendations.

In February 2023, Sri Lanka’s Board of Investment (BOI) approved Adani Green Energy’s $442-million wind power project, with plants planned for Mannar and Pooneryn in Northern Sri Lanka.

Since then, the project faced legal challenges, with its details being subjected to Supreme Court review. (Newswire)

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India’s Adani Group has refuted reports claiming that its 484 MW wind power projects in Mannar and Pooneryn have been cancelled, stating they are false and misleading.

Issuing a statement, a spokesman for the Adani Group said the company categorically states that the project has not been cancelled. 

“The Sri Lankan Cabinet’s decision of 02 Jan 2025 to reevaluate the tariff approved in May 2024 is part of a standard review process, particularly with a new government, to ensure that the terms align with their current priorities and energy policies,” the statement read.

The statement added that Adani remains committed to investing $1 billion in Sri Lanka’s green energy sector, driving renewable energy and economic growth.

The clarification comes in the backdrop of local media reporting that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s government has decided to revoke the contract awarded to India’s Adani Group for the 484 MW of wind power plants in Mannar and Pooneryn signed under the Ranil Wickremesinghe regime in June last year.

When inquired by Newswire, a Senior Government official said the decision was taken as the Adani Green Energy SL Ltd has proposed US cents 8.26 per kilowatt hour while local bidders have offered prices as low as 4.88 US cents.

He further said that as the revocation requires a standard procedure, the Cabinet of Ministers has appointed a committee to review the agreement and submit recommendations.

He said the newly appointed committee is tasked with reviewing issues surrounding the contract, such as government-to-government and environmental.

Stating that the committee has commenced its process to review the contract, he said that based on the committee’s recommendations, the government will take a final decision on the Adani project.

In February 2023, Sri Lanka’s Board of Investment (BOI) approved Adani Green Energy’s $442-million wind power project, with plants planned for Mannar and Pooneryn in Northern Sri Lanka.

Since then, the project faced legal challenges, with its details being subjected to Supreme Court review.

Adani Group, led by Indian billionaire Gautam Adani, is also involved in the development of a $700-million container terminal at the Colombo Port, adding to its growing presence in Sri Lanka. (Newswire)

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Adani Green Energy’s share price fell as reports emerged of Sri Lanka cancelling the conglomerate’s over $400 million project, India Today reported.

Adani Green Energy shares opened the day at Rs 1039.45 after having closed at Rs 1021.45. The stock gained initially and reached a day’s high of Rs 1065.45.

However, Adani Green Energy shares fell after the news of Sri Lanka reportedly cancelling the power purchase deal to hit the day’s low of Rs 1,008, crashing over 6% from the day’s high, India Today’s report added.

Earlier today, local media reported that the National Peoples’ Power (NPP) government has decided to revoke the contract awarded to India’s Adani Group for the 484 MW of wind power plants in Mannar and Pooneryn signed under the Ranil Wickremesinghe regime in June last year.

When inquired by Newswire, a Senior Government official said the decision was taken as the Adani Green Energy SL Ltd has proposed US cents 8.26 per kilowatt hour while local bidders have offered prices as low as 4.88 US cents.

He further said that as the revocation requires a standard procedure, the Cabinet of Ministers has appointed a committee to review the agreement and submit recommendations.

He said the newly appointed committee is tasked with reviewing issues surrounding the contract, such as government-to-government and environmental.

Stating that the committee has commenced its process to review the contract, he said that based on the committee’s recommendations, the government will take a final decision on the Adani project.

In February 2023, Sri Lanka’s Board of Investment (BOI) approved Adani Green Energy’s $442-million wind power project, with plants planned for Mannar and Pooneryn in Northern Sri Lanka.

Since then, the project faced legal challenges, with its details being subjected to Supreme Court review.

Adani Group, led by Indian billionaire Gautam Adani, is also involved in the development of a $700-million container terminal at the Colombo Port, adding to its growing presence in Sri Lanka. (Newswire)

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The current interim Cabinet has decided to reconsider the matters related to the wind power project in Wedithalathivu, Mannar by India’s Adani Group. 

The Cabinet decision was conveyed to the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka by the Attorney General when the FR petitions filed seeking an order to invalidate the previous Cabinet’s approval for the wind power project were taken up for consideration today.

The court was informed that the interim Cabinet has decided to reconsider the facts related to the project on November 07, 2024, after which a decision will be taken on the further continuation of the project.

The Attorney General further said that the interim Cabinet has requested for an extended date to communicate its decision to the court which will be finalized by the new Cabinet of Ministers to be appointed after the 2024 General Election.

The petitioners then requested the court for permission to revise the relevant petitions as the respondents of the case had changed with the change in government, to which the Supreme Court granted permission. 

The Supreme Court also ordered that any observation of the government related to the project be filed before January 31, 2025.

Fundamental Rights petitions were filed by five parties, including the Centre for Environmental Justice, against the Adani wind power project.

The petitioners argued that the proposed wind farm poses significant threats to ecological biodiversity and the safety of migratory birds. (Newswire)

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Feasibility studies and environmental reports for the Adani project to develop wind power stations in Mannar and Poonerin are still in progress, State Minister for Power and Energy Indika Anuruddha said.

The State Minister said once these are completed, it will be discussed whether the project can proceed under the current pricing conditions.

In 2022, the Cabinet of Ministers approved to enter into a memorandum of understanding with M/s Adani Green Energy Limited of India to develop wind power stations. 

The prices were approved following the recommendations of the negotiation committee appointed to evaluate the project proposal put forth by M/s Adani Green Energy Limited. Approval was also granted to award this tender to Adani Green Energy SL Limited for a period of 20 years.

In May this year, the Cabinet approved to purchase of power at $0.0826 per KW for the electricity generated under the Adani project to develop wind power stations in Mannar and Poonerin.

At the time, the government said in a statement, that the rates paid in Sri Lankan rupees will be subject to foreign exchange rate changes.

Commenting on the Adani project, State Minister Indika Anuruddha said it will be discussed whether the project can proceed under the current pricing conditions following the completion of the necessary feasibility studies.

He made the remarks at a media briefing at the Presidential Media Centre on Thursday (July 04).

The State Minister further said due to the success of the debt restructuring activities, the projects related to the energy sector, which were stalled during the last crisis, will be re-implemented and it will be of great help in solving the power crisis.

Stating that agreements for debt restructuring have been signed with bilateral creditor countries, he said this has resolved the legal issues necessary to restart these foreign-funded projects. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka’s main opposition, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), has questioned the government’s approval of the proposed project to develop wind power stations in Mannar and Pooneryn with M/s Adani Green Energy Limited of India.

Addressing the media, former SJB MP Ajith P. Perera said a large-scale financial fraud is being carried out due to the government, especially President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera, giving away the wind power sector in Sri Lanka’s power industry. 

Backing his claims, SJB’s Perera said the government has approved the purchase of power at $0.0826 per KW for the electricity generated under the proposed project to develop wind power stations in Mannar and Poonerin by M/s Adani Green Energy Limited of India.

Stating that the project had been awarded to the Adani Group without calling for tenders, SJB’s Perera said this would cause Sri Lanka to lose millions of dollars in loss for 20 years. 

He said, however, that the wind power station proposed by WindForce PLC, which owns a 100% effective holding in Hiruras Power (Pvt) Ltd, offers almost half the price quoted by the Adani Group, for the purchase of electricity.

“The CEB has called for tenders and has picked WindForce PLC to construct a 50 MW wind power station in Mannar,” he said. 

The former SJB MP pointed out that WindForce PLC has quoted $0.0488 per KW to provide electricity, which is half the price of what has been offered by the Adani Group. 

Ajith P. Perera said the government has engaged in a large-scale fraud via the wind power project by the Adani Group and that Sri Lanka will incur a loss of over a billion US Dollars. (Newswire)

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The Wildlife and Nature Protection Society (WNPS) has filed a fundamental rights application in the Supreme Court challenging the recent cabinet decision to award a wind power project in Mannar Island to Adani Green Energy Limited of India.

The Petitioner WNPS is represented by President’s Counsel Sanjeeva Jayawardana with Prashanthi Mahindarathe, Revan Weerasinghe and Rukshan Senadheera, instructed by S.W.A Amila Kumara.

WNPS argues that the project poses a severe threat to the island’s unique biodiversity and pristine landscapes especially in the Mannar Island. The island itself is home to several protected areas such as the Adam’s Bridge National Park, the Viduthalaithivu National Park and the Vankalai Sanctuary, declared RAMSAR wetlands only a few months ago by Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi.

They argued that Mannar is the southernmost point of the Central Asian Flyway used by innumerable migratory species, while also being home to several indigenous water bird and bat species.

WNPS contends that the decision to approve the project was made without any appreciation of Mannar’s singular positioning as a biodiversity hub, violating both national environmental protection laws as well as international Conventions.

The island’s diverse ecosystems, including mangroves, coral reefs, and wetlands, play a crucial role in maintaining the region’s environmental balance. The organization states that a severe threat exists that the construction and operation of the wind power project could lead to irreversible damage to these ecosystems.

The Petitioner contends that the manner and form of these actions by various authorities grossly abuse the public trust placed in authorities like the Forest Department and Department of Wildlife that have blithely ignored the irreparable ramifications of this project in a protected area replete with vulnerable species and war affected population struggling to survive.

The proposed Adani project will potentially raise the number of turbines on Mannar Island to 82, supplementing the 30 turbines already existing as part of the Thambapawani project which has already caused staggering numbers of bird deaths, more than anticipated by the ornithologists consulted on the project.

If allowed to continue unabated the extension to the Adani project – titled Phase III – will pockmark Mannar island with 103 turbines across nearly 66% of Mannar’s land mass which has been declared Energy Development Areas.

The WNPS said that it also challenges the credibility of the Environmental Impact Assessment carried out by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Sri Lanka [SEASL] on behalf of Adani Green Energy. (Newswire)

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The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to purchase power at $0.0826 cents per KW for the electricity generated under the proposed project to develop wind power stations in Mannar and Poonerin.

The rates paid in Sri Lankan rupees will be subject to foreign exchange rate changes, the government said in a statement. 

In 2022, the Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to enter into a memorandum of understanding with M/s Adani Green Energy Limited of India to develop the wind power stations. The prices had been approved following the recommendations of the negotiation committee appointed to evaluate the project proposal put forth by M/s Adani Green Energy Limited.

Approval had also been granted to award this tender to Adani Green Energy SL Limited for a period of 20 years. (Newswire)

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