Mannar People to the street against environmentally destructive projects!
“Illegal sand mining, mineral extraction, and large wind power plants are perceived as a danger to the delicate biodiversity of the island. Many do not see these projects as development, but rather as causing even greater damage than war.”
People living on Mannar Island; more than 2,000 protested last week against a wave of ongoing environmentally destructive development projects that threaten the fragile ecosystem of Mannar Island.
The huge rally held from morning to noon was organized by the Mannar Citizens’ Committee (MCC) as part of the eighth campaign activity under an EU-funded project.
People from different backgrounds, including youth groups, NGOs, women’s collectives, religious leaders, fishermen and farmers, took part in the rally.
Protesters oppose activities like illegal sand mining, ilmenite extraction projects, and large-scale wind power plants that activists say would threaten the island’s delicate biodiversity, local livelihoods, and cultural heritage.
Protesters raising serious concerns about the environmental destruction and livelihood losses these projects could cause said that this is greater damage than the damage that happened during the war at that time.
“The governments should study every development project thoroughly before implementing it, assessing whether the project is suitable for the people and the surrounding environment.”
