Sri Lanka to hear petitions against Adani Wind Power Project on Oct 14

Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court has scheduled a hearing for October 14 on five fundamental rights petitions against the Adani Group’s wind power plant in Mannar. The respondents are required to file objections by September 13.

Environmental NGOs, led by the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society, argue that the project endangers biodiversity and threatens migratory birds. The petitions challenge the legality of the Cabinet’s decision to treat the Adani project as a Sri Lanka-India government-to-government venture, claiming it will cause significant environmental damage.

Additionally, the NGOs have contested Environment Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi’s move to exclude Mannar’s Viddathalathivu area from being a forest reserve to facilitate the project. The Supreme Court had previously given Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, the Cabinet, and the Adani Group three weeks from June 18 to file preliminary objections.

In May, the Sri Lankan government approved a 20-year power purchase agreement with Adani Green Energy to develop 484 MW wind power stations: a 250 MW project in Mannar and a 234 MW project in Pooneryn, totalling $750 million in investment. The government asserts that Adani’s investment is crucial for achieving the target of 70% renewable energy by 2030.