A press conference was held on 9 October by the Bishop of Mannar, Rt. Rev. Dr Antonypillai Gnanapragasam, together with the Government Agent of Mannar and the President of the Citizens’ Committee, to address misinformation in the media regarding proposed wind power and mineral sand extraction projects in the district.
The briefing followed a meeting at the Mannar Citizens’ Committee Office attended by interreligious leaders, civil organizations, and protest groups. Bishop Gnanapragasam explained details of his recent discussion with the President of Sri Lanka, clarifying that no agreements or commitments had been made on establishing wind turbines or sand extraction operations in Mannar, contrary to certain reports.
He said the President had confirmed plans for 14 wind turbines in the area and assured that no mineral sand excavation is currently taking place. The President also pledged that future projects would proceed only with the consent of local communities and that a Cabinet decision would formalize this commitment.
Bishop Gnanapragasam reaffirmed that he has not signed any documents related to the projects and stressed that any future actions would follow full consultation with the people of Mannar.