Mass protest in Mannar against environmentally harmful projects

Over 2,000 people staged a peaceful protest on Mannar Island on June 11, voicing opposition to ongoing and proposed development projects they claim threaten the island’s environment and livelihoods.

The protest, which began at 9:00 a.m., was organised by the Mannar Citizens’ Committee (MCC) in collaboration with local civil society organisations and supported by the Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ). 

Demonstrators opposed activities such as illegal sand mining, ilmenite extraction, and wind power projects, saying these developments could severely damage Mannar’s fragile coastal ecosystem. Protesters included youth groups, NGOs, women’s collectives, religious leaders, fisherfolk, and farmers.

Organisers warned that unchecked exploitation of natural resources could lead to the displacement of coastal communities, depletion of marine and land resources, and irreversible cultural and ecological loss. They demanded inclusive development planning and sustainable alternatives that prioritise both environmental protection and community well-being.

Representatives from CEJ, including Janaka and Thusyanthini, also took part in the protest.

Mannar Island is known for its biodiversity and its reliance on traditional livelihoods such as fishing and farming. Protesters said the developments lack proper community consultation and fail to address long-term impacts.