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Professor spells doom for Mannar migratory birds from Adani windfarm

Published

2 years ago

2024/03/22

Thilina Walpola

Prof. Seneviratne and his team conducting research in Mannar

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.

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ITS Giuseppe Garibaldi’ departs Colombo

Published

12 hours ago

2026/09/12

Priyan

The Italian Naval Vessel ‘ITS Giuseppe Garibaldi’ departed the Port of Colombo today, 12 September 2026, after completing a replenishment stop for logistics and services.

During the ship’s stay, the Commanding Officer of ITS Giuseppe Garibaldi, Captain Marco GUERRIERO, called on the Commander Western Naval Area, Rear Admiral Harsha De Silva, at the Western Naval Command Headquarters.

Members of the visiting crew also toured several tourist attractions across the Colombo area during their port call.

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Green Climate Fund (GCF) Regional Dialogue for East and South Asia will be held from 14 to 17 September 2026 at Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams Hotel, Colombo

Published

16 hours ago

2026/09/12

Priyan

The Green Climate Fund (GCF) Regional Dialogue for Eastern and Southern Asia is scheduled to be held from September 14 to 17, 2026, at Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams, Colombo.

The Dialogue is hosted by the Government of Sri Lanka. The Green Climate Fund is the world’s largest dedicated climate fund established under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to assist developing countries in responding to the challenges of climate change.

The Green Climate Fund aims to promote a paradigm shift towards low-emission and climate-resilient development
pathways by supporting developing countries in reducing their greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to the impacts of climate change.

The Ministry of Environment of Sri Lanka serves as the country’s National Designated Authority for the Green Climate Fund, playing a critical role in coordinating access to climate finance, nominating institutions for accreditation to the Green Climate Fund and approving funding proposals, and ensuring that activities supported by the Green Climate Fund are aligned with national development objectives.

More than 120 delegates from 10 countries are expected to participate. The participating countries are Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, the Maldives, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, the Republic of Korea, and Sri Lanka.

Participants will include representatives of National Designated Authorities of the above countries, Direct Access Entities, Accredited Entities, civil society organizations, the private sector, development partners, and technical institutions across the region.

Sri Lanka’s delegation comprises Dr. Dammika Patabendi, Minister of Environment, Anton Jayakody, Deputy Minister of Environment, K.R. Uduwawala, Secretary, Ministry of Environment, and high-level government officials.

The Dialogue will provide a platform to:

Share challenges, experiences, and lessons learned from the implementation of climate change projects and programmes.

Strengthen regional cooperation and partnerships on climate finance.

Discuss the Green Climate Fund’s evolving strategies, policies, and approaches.

Identify opportunities to accelerate climate investments across East and South Asia.

Hosting the Regional Dialogue in Colombo will provide Sri Lanka with an important opportunity to engage with senior government officials, private-sector representatives, development partners, technical experts, and international climate finance institutions.

The event is expected to support Sri Lanka’s efforts to improve access to climate finance and international grants, showcase national climate action initiatives and achievements, and strengthen the country’s engagement with the global climate community.

The Dialogue will also offer a strategic platform for Sri Lankan institutions that have applied for direct accreditation to present their project concepts and engage directly with representatives of the Green Climate Fund. These engagements are expected to support the accreditation process and contribute to the expansion of Sri Lanka’s network of Direct Access Entities through stronger regional partnerships and increased cooperation on climate finance, the Regional Dialogue will
contribute to positioning Sri Lanka as a credible and reliable partner for climate investment.

Projects that Sri Lanka has received funding from this fund are:
• The main projects that Sri Lanka has received support from the Green Climate Fund at present include the Wevu Gam Pubuduwa Project (52.1 USD Million) and the GCF Knuckles Project (49 USD Million).

7.5 USD Million has been allocated from GCF for 5 National Designated Authority Readiness Projects (NDA Readiness Projects) and for the National Adaptation Plan Readiness Project (NAP Readiness Project).

Approval has also been obtained for 3 regional projects. (Cooling Facility Programme, Global Fund for Coral Reef Investment Window, PEEB COOL Programme)

Sri Lanka has also identified 5 project concepts as priority projects for the Green Climate Fund period 2024-2027 and has taken steps to submit those project concepts (Concept Notes) for
approval by the Green Climate Fund.

The “Climate-resilient Fisheries in Sri Lanka” project concept (USD 107.5 million) submitted by DFCC Bank has already received approval.

News

Prof. Pieris says Buddha Dhamma recognised as source of law under Constitution

Published

18 hours ago

2026/09/12

Thilina Walpola

G.L. Peiris

Former Minister and People’s Joint Opposition Convener Prof. G.L. Peiris has challenged the assertion that the Supreme Court’s determination on the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution would be based solely on law and not Buddhist teachings, arguing that such a position is inconsistent with Article 9 of the Constitution and established judicial precedent.

In a special statement, titled “Buddhist Doctrine as a Source of Law in Sri Lanka”, Prof. Peiris has said the issue had arisen during the 22nd Amendment determination proceedings when Ven. Balangoda Kassapa referred to the Buddha Dhamma in his submissions.

According to Prof. Peiris, the Chief Justice responded that the determination would be made on the basis of the law and not Buddhist teachings.

Describing this as a “cavalier dismissal” of the Buddha Dhamma. Prof. Peiris has said it is contrary to Article 9, which gives Buddhism the foremost place and requires the State to protect and foster the Buddha Sasana.

Full text of the statement: In the 22nd Amendment determination proceedings, Venerable Balangoda Kassapa, in his submissions, made reference to the Buddha Dhamma. His Lordship the Chief Justice, in reply, made the strong assertion that the determination would be made on the basis of the law and not Buddhist teachings. This cavalier dismissal of the Buddha Dhamma is totally inconsistent with Article 9 of the Constitution and its authoritative interpretation in judicial decisions.

I. Authoritative Sri Lankan Judicial Authority A few examples may be cited.

In the Antiquities Amendment Bill, the Supreme Court, in its determination, observed: “The expression Buddha Sasana is wider than Buddhism and includes the entire establishment, together with objects and places of religious practices and worship of Buddhists”.

In Re the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution and the Provincial Councils Bill, 1987 2 Sri Lanka LR 312, Wanasundera J, referring to the term Buddha Sasana, said that it was “a compendious term encompassing all ancient, historic and sacred objects and places which have from ancient times been associated with the religious practices and worship of Sinhala Buddhists”.

It is clear that the Buddha Sasana is not confined to matters of ritual or practice, but includes the substance of Buddhist teachings. This is borne out clearly in other judgments of the Supreme Court.

An explicit example is the determination of the Supreme Court in the Ayurveda Amendment Bill, SCSD, numbers 22-35/2023, where the Court declared: “We hold that Buddha Sasana in Article 9 of the Constitution includes the dhamma, principles and teachings of Buddhism, including in particular recognized and undisputed codifications of the teachings of Lord Buddha”.

There are several other passages in the judgment which offer strong authority on the point.

The Court declared: “We determine that the word Buddha Sasana in Article 9 is a compendious term and includes the entire establishment of Buddhism as defined above. We conclude that the Tripitaka, consisting of the Vinaya Pitaka, the Sutta Pitaka and the Abhidhamma Pitaka, falls within the word Buddha Sasana. Hence the State has a duty inter alia to protect and foster the Tripitaka”.

The Court was uncompromising in its declaration that “While retaining the word Buddhism to denote the religion to which foremost place has been accorded in the Republic, the word Buddha Sasana was used to impose a duty on the State to protect and foster the entire establishment of Buddhism”.

The Court’s approach is very clear from the following passage: “We must proceed to interpret Article 9 of the Constitution on the basis that this change was intentional on the part of the legislature. It was meant to cover an area wider than Buddhism”.

II. International Judicial Authority

There is valuable material in the jurisprudence of the International Court of Justice at The Hague.

Judge C. G. Weeramantry, in his dissenting opinion in the ICJ’s 1996 advisory opinion on the legality of the threat or use of nuclear weapons, said that Buddhism could provide an important humanitarian perspective when considering the legality of nuclear weapons. The judge cited as his source the work by Walpola Rahula, entitled What the Buddha Taught, 1959.

Similarly, Judge Weeramantry, in his separate opinion in the maritime delimitation in the area between Greenland and Jan Mayen case, 1993, commented on the international legal concept of equity. In this connection, he referred to “the elaborately researched concept of fairness and justice in Buddhism”.