Sri Lanka's Green Future: Mannar Wind Project Powers New Energy Era

MANNAR, Sri Lanka – February 11, 2026 – In a landmark event for Sri Lanka's national energy strategy, construction has officially commenced on the 50MW Mannar Wind Power Project. The groundbreaking ceremony, presided over by Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, marks a pivotal step in the island nation's ambitious transition toward renewable energy and greater energy independence.

The project, located in the wind-rich northern Mannar region, is a collaborative effort between global green technology leader Envision Energy and HayWind One Limited, a subsidiary of the prominent Sri Lankan conglomerate Hayleys PLC. Once commissioned in March 2027, the wind farm is expected to generate approximately 207 million kWh of clean electricity annually, providing a significant boost to the national grid and furthering the country's climate goals.

A Cornerstone of National Energy Strategy

The Mannar project is more than just a new power plant; it is a cornerstone of Sri Lanka's aggressive push to decarbonize its economy. The government has set a formidable target of achieving 70% of its electricity generation from renewable sources by 2030, with a long-term goal of carbon neutrality by 2050. This initiative is critical for a nation that, as of 2023, still relied on thermal power plants—many fueled by imported and costly fossil fuels—for about half of its electricity.

Historically, Sri Lanka's dependence on imported oil and coal has exposed it to volatile global energy markets, impacting economic stability and electricity affordability for its citizens. The National Energy Policy and Strategies have explicitly identified the development of indigenous renewable resources, like the high and stable winds of the Mannar region, as a key strategy to mitigate these risks. By adding 50MW of clean capacity, the Mannar project directly contributes to diversifying the energy mix and reducing reliance on expensive imports, aligning perfectly with the national vision for a secure and sustainable energy future.

"Sri Lanka holds a strategically important position in South Asia's energy transition, with highly competitive wind resources," said Winston Xu, General Manager of Southeast Region at Envision Energy. "This project marks a key milestone for the country's renewable energy development."

Global Technology Meets Local Ambition

The project represents a powerful synergy between global technological expertise and local industrial strength. Hayleys PLC, one of Sri Lanka's largest and most diversified conglomerates, is making a significant foray into utility-scale wind power through its subsidiary, HayWind One Limited. This move signals a strategic expansion of the group's existing renewable energy portfolio, which has been largely focused on solar power through its other subsidiary, Hayleys Solar.

The partnership allows for the integration of Envision Energy's world-class turbine technology into the Sri Lankan grid. For Envision, this project marks its first utility-scale wind turbine order in Sri Lanka, establishing a strategic foothold in a promising new market within South Asia. The company is already a significant player in the region, with an established manufacturing and project presence in India, and this expansion showcases its ability to compete and deliver in diverse markets.

"This project is about powering the lives of Sri Lankans with clean, homegrown energy," stated Hasith Prematillake, Managing Director of Hayleys Fentons Limited, the parent company of HayWind One. He emphasized that bringing Envision's technology to the country aims to make the green energy transition translate into more affordable electricity. "We hope this initiative will serve as a blueprint for future renewable energy projects in Sri Lanka."

This sentiment was echoed by Mr. Roshane Perera, Director/CEO of Hayleys Solar, who highlighted the importance of local expertise in executing such a complex undertaking. "We have mobilised our most experienced engineers and project managers to manage the complexities of the Mannar site," he said. "We are proud to demonstrate that Sri Lankan talent is fully capable of delivering renewable energy projects on a global scale."

Engineering for a Challenging Coastal Environment

The success of the Mannar Wind Power Project hinges on sophisticated technology designed to withstand the region's unique and challenging environmental conditions. The project will feature 10 of Envision's EN-156/5.0MW wind turbines. These powerful turbines, with a rotor diameter of 156 meters and a hub height of 110 meters, are engineered to capture the maximum energy from Mannar's strong and consistent wind patterns.

However, the coastal location presents a significant engineering hurdle: a climate characterized by high humidity and salinity, which can cause severe corrosion and degrade equipment over time. To counter this, Envision has developed a customized high anti-corrosion solution for the turbines. This specialized approach involves advanced multi-layer coating systems, the use of corrosion-resistant materials for critical components, and sealed internal compartments to protect sensitive electronics from moisture and salt ingress.

This tailored solution is critical to ensuring the project's long-term viability. Envision Energy will also provide full-lifecycle operations and maintenance services, guaranteeing the safe and efficient performance of the turbines throughout their 20-year design life. This commitment to durability and reliability is essential for delivering long-term value to Sri Lanka's national grid and its communities.