The Wildlife and Nature Protection Society of Sri Lanka (WNPS) has warned that the development of the proposed Jaffna International Cricket Stadium and Sports Complex on Mandaitivu Island, is not only unlawful but poses a serious threat to Mandaitivu’s fragile ecosystems and local communities.

In a formal letter addressed to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, WNPS highlighted that the site contains ecologically sensitive habitats, including mangroves, seagrass beds, salt marshes, and the Mandaitivu Forest Reserve. 

The Society emphasized that Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), the organization behind the project, has not obtained the legally required permits under the Coast Conservation and Coastal Resource Management Act before commencing construction activities.

The WNPS clarified that its objection is not to oppose the development of a sports facility in Jaffna, but to the placement of the project on Mandaitivu Island and the failure of Sri Lanka Cricket to comply with environmental law. 

Further, proceeding with construction without the required approvals constitutes a clear violation of the law, under the Coast Conservation and Coastal Resource Management Act, the Society said, therefore calling for immediate intervention to halt the project before irreversible environmental damage occurs. 

WNPS further notes that Mandaitivu is designated as a natural flood-retention zone and is regularly submerged during the rainy season. Its role in safeguarding Jaffna’s limited forest cover makes the island unsuitable for large-scale construction. Additionally, if built, the complex would be prone to frequent flooding and inaccessibility, resulting in continual repair costs and raising serious concerns about the wasteful use of allocated resources.

The Society also expressed concern over misinformation provided to authorities, potentially undermining Sri Lanka’s commitment to sustainable and green development. 

The WNPS has requested the President to halt the project immediately and investigate the guidance given to SLC regarding the site. The organization calls for adherence to environmental laws and careful consideration of ecological and community well-being in all development planning. (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annulment of the decision to award the construction of a wind power plant in Mannar to India’s Adani Group, has been withdrawn.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 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 Wildlife and Nature Protection Society of Sri Lanka (WNPS) has advised motorists to drive with care and be vigilant of wildlife while travelling during the upcoming festive season. 

The Society has requested those travelling during the long weekend to be mindful of their speed in wildlife-surrounded areas to prevent roadkills and for the safety of motorists. 

Following are a few tips from the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society to help motorists drive with care during the holiday season.

1. Slow down when driving through forested areas. This helps you react quickly if an animal suddenly appears in your path.
2. Pay attention to your surroundings and be alert in known animal zones, such as areas where there are warning signs or crossing structures.
3. Use your headlights to help spot animals on the road, especially at dawn and dusk.
4. Avoid distractions that can take your eyes off the road, such as using your phone.
5. Keep your distance if you see an animal on or near the road. Slow down and give it plenty of space to move. Don’t try to scare it off the road by honking your horn or flashing your headlights. (NewsWire)

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