For about a decade, successive Sri Lankan governments have sought to tap Mannar's strong winds to power the island's transition to green energy. But renewable energy projects, both existing and proposed, have left local communities increasingly fearful about possible impacts on their environment and livelihoods.

Residents in villages across Mannar district, on Sri Lanka's north-western coast, report recurring flash floods in recent years, growing demand for land from both the government and private companies, constant noise from wind turbines near their homes, and a shrinking fish catch. They fear that the growing number of renewable energy projects could be contributing to these changes and affecting the local environment.

The concerns highlight tensions between national green energy goals and local community welfare in the region.