Sri Lanka, March 18 -- The Adani Green Energy's wind power project in Mannar, Sri Lanka, has become a lightning rod for controversy. While the project promises to boost renewable energy production in the country, it faces fierce opposition due to its potential ecological impact and allegations of cronyism.

In February 2023, Adani Green Energy (Sri Lanka) Ltd was given provisional approval for two wind power projects of 250 MW in Mannar and 234 MW in Pooneryn. The proposed project site in Mannar spans across 250 acres of an environmentally sensitive location.

The 52 wind turbines will each have a capacity of 5.2 MW. They will be installed in parallel with the existing Thambapawani wind farm, across most parts of Mannar Island. Once opera...