WNPS withdraws legal petition following Adani’s exit from Mannar island project

Wednesday, 19 March 2025 00:12 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Wildlife and Nature Protection Society (WNPS) yesterday withdrew its legal petition before the Supreme Court following confirmation that Adani Green Energy has officially withdrawn from the proposed Mannar Island wind power project.

During yesterday’s hearing, the Attorney General’s Department submitted a letter dated 12 February 2025, from Adani Green Energy to the Board of Investment (BOI), stating its 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.

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

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