'Relieved that the Adani wind energy project has been annulled': Rohan Pethiyagoda

In this exclusive interview, Rohan Pethiyagoda, a well-known scientist and public policy advocate in Sri Lanka, talks to senior journalist Nirupama Subramanian about Adani Green Energy’s recent decision to withdraw from its controversial wind energy project in Sri Lanka. In their conversation, Pethiyagoda and Subramanian discuss the wind power project, its environmental impact, Sri Lanka’s energy policy, and political pressures, among other things. Adani Green’s decision comes amid the Sri Lankan government’s move to renegotiate the Power Purchase Agreement signed under the previous administration. There was also growing scrutiny over the project’s environmental impact and transparency. The speaker offers an analysis of the project, which has been at the centre of intense debate due to its inflated pricing, lack of transparency, and potential environmental impact. The project, which involves large-scale wind farms in Mannar and Pooneryn, had sparked concerns not only over cost but also about political influence and the environmental consequences of developing in a crucial migratory area for birds.