Friday Jan 16, 2026
Friday Jan 16, 2026
Friday, 16 January 2026 00:27 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake (right) receives a token from Hayleys Chairman/CEO Mohan Pandithage at the launch of the 50 MW Hayleys Fentons wind power project in Mannar
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday launched the 50 MW wind power project developed by Hayleys Fentons Ltd., in Mannar, with the Government announcing that it has secured private sector agreements to develop renewable energy over the next few years far exceeding expectations.
The state-of-the-art wind power plant will comprise 10 wind turbines and is expected to generate 207 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity annually. A notable feature of the project is the supply of electricity at a tariff of $ 0.0465 per unit, equivalent to Rs. 14.37 per unit. The project is scheduled for completion in March 2027, the President’s Media Division said.
Hayleys PLC Chairman/CEO Mohan Pandithage, Managing Director Hasith Prematillake, Executive Director Sarath Ganegoda, and Hayleys Advantis Ltd., General Manager Ruwan Waidyaratne were present at the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody stated that the project, which commenced construction yesterday, is not only a renewable energy initiative that will contribute to powering the country, but also a project designed to provide essential facilities and benefits to the people of the region.
“In 2025, our target for renewable energy capacity addition was 1,848 MW. However, we were able to exceed this target by adding a capacity of 2,695 MW. For 2026, the target has been set at 2,078 MW, and agreements have already been signed for a capacity of 3,089.5 MW,” the Minister said.
“Similarly, while the targets for 2027, 2028, and 2029 were set at 2,563 MW, 3,253 MW, and 3,943 MW, respectively, agreements have already been signed for capacities of 3,822.5 MW, 4,332.5 MW, and 4,634.5 MW. Accordingly, for the period from 2025 to 2029, instead of the originally planned total capacity of 9,759 MW, agreements have now been secured for a total capacity of 12,789.5 MW. This clearly demonstrates that we are making significant and successful progress in achieving our renewable energy objectives,” he said.
