Hayleys drives Sri Lanka’s renewable energy future with 50 MW facility
HayWind, the wind energy arm of Hayleys Fentons Limited, part of the Hayleys Group – Sri Lanka’s largest diversified conglomerate – marked a defining milestone in the country’s renewable energy journey with the groundbreaking ceremony of its 50 MW Wind Power Project in Mannar.
This landmark project represents the largest private-sector investment in wind energy in Sri Lanka’s history.
The ceremony, attended by President Honorable Anura Kumara Dissanayake and key government officials, highlights the critical importance of energy security and economic resilience.
Sri Lanka continues to face sustained economic and environmental pressures linked to imported fossil fuels. The Mannar Wind Farm represents a decisive shift towards clean, domestically generated energy that reduces foreign exchange outflows while protecting the environment. Upon completion, the facility is expected to generate annual fuel cost savings of approximately Rs. 4.7 billion and offset around 186,300 tonnes of carbon emissions each year.
Speaking on the landmark occasion, Mohan Pandithage, Chairman and Chief Executive of Hayleys said: “Hayleys has grown alongside Sri Lanka for nearly 148 years, contributing meaningfully to its economy, industries and communities. This wind power project represents an investment in the nation’s future by strengthening energy independence, protecting the environment and reinforcing long-term economic stability. As a responsible corporate citizen, we are committed to leading in areas that shape Sri Lanka’s long-term resilience and prosperity.”
Mannar’s strong and consistent wind conditions, long recognised as a natural advantage, are being leveraged through this project into a strategic national asset capable of powering progress. The 50 MW facility will comprise 10 wind turbines of 5 MW each. Electricity generated will be supplied to the national grid under a guaranteed power purchase agreement with the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), reinforcing the commercial viability, bankability and technical robustness of the investment.
Elaborating further, Hasith Prematillake, Managing Director of Hayleys Fentons Limited said: “Renewable energy is central to Sri Lanka’s development trajectory. This project demonstrates that clean energy can be delivered at scale through sound engineering, proven technology and strong institutional frameworks. Investments of this nature show that renewables are dependable, scalable, bankable and capable of driving meaningful national transformation.
Roshane Perera, Director and Chief Executive Officer of Hayleys Solar, explained: “With careful consideration, we have selected one of the most efficient wind turbines available to us at 110-meter elevation. We look forward to completing this project successfully with our expertise in engineering and project management skills.”
The HayWind One Limited project’s corporate social responsibility initiative, Pawan Sathkara, also known as Kaatra Doolium, has launched a series of community-led programmes aligned with the Hayleys Lifecode – the Group’s ESG framework and the Hayleys Fentons Green Blueprint, which drives its environmental and social impact agenda.
These initiatives include providing 200 water connections, donating smart classroom systems and school supplies to local schools, excavating 6.8 km of flood mitigation canals, and installing street lighting, among other efforts aimed at enhancing the quality of life in the community.
Through these efforts, the project seeks to strengthen community resilience, addressing local challenges collaboratively and ensuring that progress is shared with those who live closest to the development.
In addition, the project will position the region as an active contributor to national development by converting wind resources into long-term economic and social value. The commencement of the construction of the Mannar Wind Farm by HayWind One Limited reinforces confidence in Sri Lanka’s renewable energy future and underlines the role of the private sector in partnering the state to deliver nationally significant infrastructure.
