Caritas Valvuthayam through the Stepping Stone to Safeguarding Sri Lanka’s Natural Resources (SSEP) unit jointly with Mannar Citizen Committee( MCC), local NGOs, Civil societies and the people of Mannar District, staged and conducted a large-scale walking protest to raise public voices against the ongoing windmill installation and mineral sand mining, illegal especially in Mannar island region on 11th June 2025.

The protest march with many posters and banners began at Mannar public stadium and proceeded peacefully towards Mannar Kachcheri. The protest march successfully reached out the organized meeting gathering place with active participation of His Lordship the Bishop of Mannar diocese, religious leaders of all faiths, representatives from various NGOs, and thousands of concerned citizens from Mannar district.

As requested by the organizing committee the Government Agent (GA) of Mannar district Mr. Kanageswaran met the public at the entrance of Mannar Kachcheri gate where public gathered to submit memorandum to President of Sri Lanka to take necessary and immediate action to stop the Windmill power installation project and illegal mineral sand mining project in Mannar island. On behalf of the Mannar people who staged protest, the Bishop of Mannar diocese and members of the public representatives submitted the memorandum to the Government Agent (GA), to be forwarded to the President of Sri Lanka. The submitted memorandum clearly outlined the Mannar public opposition to new Wind mill construction project and illegal mineral sand mining activities that threaten the environment, local livelihoods, and the ecological balance of Mannar Island. All these projects have even become a survival problem for the people in Mannar Island.

This collective action highlights the growing concern among the people of Mannar and their commitment to protecting their land, sea, and resources for future generations.