News
Professor spells doom for Mannar migratory birds from Adani windfarm
By Rathindra Kuruwita
Approximately 15 million birds migrate to Sri Lanka from 30 countries every year, Prof. Sampath S. Seneviratne, of the Department of Zoology and Environment Sciences – University of Colombo says.
One of the primary entry points for these migratory birds was the Mannar islands, he said, expressing concern over the proposed Adani wind farm, which could lead to disastrous consequences for birds.
Prof. Seneviratne said each tower was 120 metres tall. Additionally, the rotor blades measure 96 metres in length.
“Windmills have no emissions, and they don’t make a lot of noise. However, whether these windmills are eco-friendly and would benefit the economy depends on a number of factors that lie outside the technology used,” he said.
Prof. Seneviratne mentioned that the proposed construction site was on the migratory path of birds. Over the past four years, the University of Colombo has conducted extensive research on bird migration routes using satellite imagery, as well as GMS and GPS technology. These data serve not only environmental interests but also aid the Civil Aviation Authority, Air Force, BIA, and other flight-operating agencies.
“Through our research, we’ve gained insight into Sri Lanka’s position within the migratory routes of birds. For instance, certain birds in Pesalai, Mannar, lay eggs in Europe, spending six months there before migrating to Sri Lanka for the other half of the year. This round trip spans approximately 25,000 kilometers. Additionally, some birds lay eggs in the Arctic during the brief period when the snow begins to melt, then journey to Sri Lanka with their offspring. Annually, approximately 15 million birds migrate to Sri Lanka from 30 different countries,” Prof. Seneviratne said.
Prof. Sampath S. Seneviratne
According to Prof. Seneviratne, birds follow eight primary migratory routes, one of which is known as the Central Asian Highway. During September and October, when the northern regions of the world experience cold temperatures, approximately four billion birds use this route to migrate southwards. They then return to the north during March and April.
“Sri Lanka lies at the southernmost end of the Central Asian Highway, with Antarctica located approximately 12,000 kilometres further south. Through signed agreements, we have committed to safeguarding the well-being of these migrating birds while they are within our borders,” he said.
“There are three main routes birds take to enter Sri Lanka. One lies between Colombo and Chilaw, the second one is through Mannar and the third route lies through Jaffna,” Prof. Seneviratne said.
“Among the three primary routes, the majority of birds migrate through the Mannar and Jaffna pathways. Birds entering Sri Lanka via Jaffna typically originate from regions such as China and Russia. The Mannar route is favoured by birds from the Arctic and those migrating through the Indus Valley. Birds tend to avoid flying long distances over water due to the lack of emergency landing areas, preferring to stick to land masses whenever possible. Consequently, the safest passage for birds migrating to Sri Lanka is through what is known as Adam’s Bridge. As a result, millions of birds annually enter Sri Lanka via the Mannar route,” he said.
Prof. Seneviratne highlighted that from an environmental science perspective, several areas in Sri Lanka hold significant importance. Among them, Mannar stands out due to its crucial role in facilitating the migratory path of birds.
“We are going to establish 52 windmills that have 96-metre rotor blades that rotate at about 100 km per hour in the path of these birds,” he said.
Prof. Seneviratne pointed out that many individuals in developing nations often underestimate the impact of environmental issues on their lives. He noted that recent innovations have made wind power a cost-effective solution. In Mannar, there is already an existing windmill farm named Thambapavani, managed by the CEB. The proposed windmill farm is set to be established by Adani Green Energy Sri Lanka.
“Adani intends to utilise all the lands situated between Adams Bridge Marine National Park and Vankalai Ramsar Wetland for its power project. The cost-effectiveness of wind power is evident, with the average unit of electricity generated by wind power amounting to approximately two cents USD. However, we are expected to purchase a unit at about 9.7 cents USD, which is five times the global rate. Consequently, we will be entering into an agreement with Adani to procure electricity for five years at this significantly higher rate, with payments made in US dollars,” he said.
Prof. Seneviratne said the environment of Mannar, livelihoods of people there and the lives of animals would be severely affected by the Adani wind power project.
Prof. Seneviratne called for greater scrutiny and consideration of its environmental and social impacts. The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report for the Adani wind power project had been released he said, questioning the integrity of the study, which he said, may have been more of a formality than a comprehensive analysis of the project’s implications.
“The regulatory body for renewable energy projects in Sri Lanka is the Sustainable Energy Authority (SEA) and the Environmental Impact Assessment report shows us that it is the SEA, which is the proponent for the Adani project. They are also involved in taking over the land from private individuals. This is problematic like many other aspects of the project. We have agreed to purchase a terawatt of electricity annually from the wind farm at five times the international market rate. We are destroying our environment and the livelihoods of many people. So, what is the benefit we are getting from this ‘green’ project?” he asked.
News
Showers about 100 mm are likely at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Uva, Southern, North-western, Northern and North-central provinces and in Trincomalee district.
WEATHER FORECAST FOR 11 MAY 2026
Issued at 05.30 a.m. on 11 May 2026 by the Department of Meteorology
The low-level atmospheric disturbance in the vicinity of Sri Lanka is likely to develop into a low-pressure area around the next 36 hours. Therefore, the prevailing showery conditions over the island are expected to continue during the next few days.
Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in most parts of the island and Cloudy skies are expected, under the influence of the aforementioned system. Heavy showers about 100 mm are likely at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Uva, Southern, North-western, Northern and North-central provinces and in Trincomalee district.
The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damage caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
SJB MP Dayasiri Jayasekera has sought the intervention of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) to pressure the JVP-NPP government to respect the rights of the Opposition.
MP Jayasekera told The Island that they wouldn’t allow the NPP to suppress the truth regarding the theft of Treasury funds amounting to USD 2.5 million. He accused Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickremaratne of depriving the Opposition of its legitimate rights, at the behest of the government.
Jayasekera said that the Speaker’s conduct regarding the action taken against Deputy Secretary General of Parliament Chaminda Kularatne, too, had been brought to the notice of IPU and other international associations.
The text of MP Jayasekera’s letter to the Secretary general of IPU: “I respectfully submit this petition seeking the attention and intervention of the Inter-Parliamentary Union concerning a matter affecting parliamentary accountability, the rights of elected representatives, and the proper functioning of constitutional oversight within the Parliament of Sri Lanka.
On 06 May 2026, I Dayasiri Jayasekara MP submitted a formal request to the Hon. Speaker of Parliament seeking permission, under the Parliament (Powers and Privileges) Act No. 21 of 1953 and Standing Order 29(1), to raise a question of privilege regarding alleged constitutional and parliamentary violations by Mr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the Treasury of Sri Lanka.
The proposed privilege motion raised matters including:
1. Alleged violations of Articles 148, 149, and 150 of the Constitution of Sri Lanka concerning parliamentary control over public finance;
2. Alleged failure to report to Parliament concerning a controversial and unlawful transfer of approximately USD 2.5 million from the Treasury;
3. Alleged non-compliance with parliamentary committee procedures under the Standing Orders of Parliament;
4. Questions relating to constitutional eligibility under Article 91(1)(d)(xiii) of the Constitution concerning dual citizenship and qualification to sit and vote in Parliament;
5. A request that the matter be referred to the Parliamentary Ethics and Privileges Committee established under Standing Order 118.
Despite the seriousness of the constitutional and parliamentary issues raised, the Hon. Speaker declined permission for the privilege issue to be raised in Parliament.
It is respectfully submitted that this refusal has the effect of:
• Preventing an elected Member of Parliament from exercising his parliamentary oversight function;
• Restricting parliamentary scrutiny over matters involving public finance and constitutional accountability;
• Undermining the privileges of Members of Parliament to raise matters of urgent public importance;
• Limiting institutional transparency concerning allegations involving senior state officials.
The right of parliamentarians to raise questions of privilege and matters relating to constitutional governance is an essential component of parliamentary democracy and legislative independence. The refusal to permit even the presentation or preliminary consideration of such a matter raises serious concerns regarding parliamentary accountability mechanisms in Sri Lanka.
Accordingly, I respectfully request that the Inter-Parliamentary Union:
1.Take cognizance of this matter as one affecting the rights and functions of Members of Parliament;
2.Seek clarification from the relevant parliamentary authorities in Sri Lanka regarding the grounds upon which the privilege motion was disallowed;
3.Consider whether the refusal is compatible with internationally recognised principles of parliamentary democracy, accountability, and freedom of parliamentary speech;
4. Encourage the Parliament of Sri Lanka to ensure fair and transparent procedures governing parliamentary privilege motions and constitutional oversight.
I further request that this communication be placed before the appropriate committee or mechanism within the IPU dealing with the rights and duties of parliamentarians.”
UNP Vice President and Kandy District Leader, Navin Dissanayake, on Saturday, stressed that any proposed merger between the UNP and the SJB must be carried out formally rather than in an ad hoc manner.
Addressing a media briefing in Kandy, Dissanayake said a structured framework was essential to ensure the successful reunification of the two parties ahead of future elections.
“A formal mechanism must be established for the unification of the UNP and the SJB. This process cannot be confined to personal verbal assurances given to suit individual interests. We must build a strong framework to contest future elections as a united force,” he said.
He added that the UNP could only regain political strength by reuniting with factions that had broken away from the party.
Dissanayake also claimed that the Government would be compelled to hold Provincial Council elections amid mounting international and domestic pressure.
“India is exerting pressure to conduct these elections, while the people in the North are also demanding governance under the Provincial Council system. They are awaiting the polls,” he said.
Announcing his own political intentions, Dissanayake said he hoped to contest as the Chief Ministerial candidate for the Central Province at the next Provincial Council election.
“I intend to contest as the Chief Ministerial candidate for the Central Province. Having served as a Governor, I understand the extent of service that can be delivered to the people through a Provincial Council,” he said.
Recalling the history of constitutional devolution, Dissanayake said his late father, Gamini Dissanayake, had played a significant role in the introduction of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution of Sri Lanka.
by SK Samaranayake
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