Hayleys Fentons initiates largest private-sector wind power project in Sri Lanka
Daily FT: HayWind, the wind energy arm of Hayleys Fentons Ltd., 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 last week.
This landmark project represents the largest private-sector investment in wind energy in Sri Lanka’s history.
The ceremony, attended by President 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.
Hayleys Chairman/CEO Mohan Pandithage 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.
Hayleys Fentons Managing Director Hasith Prematillake 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.”
Hayleys Solar Director and CEO Roshane Perera said: “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.”
OSL take:
Sri Lanka’s power industry, especially the renewable energy generation sector, has become a hotspot for business/investment opportunities. The expansion in opportunities is a result of the country’s focus on increasing its clean and sustainable energy generation component while also meeting the increasing demand for power in an expanding economy. The lucrative nature of the business/investment opportunities as well as the increasing business potential in Sri Lanka’s renewable energy generation sector is evident by the growth, profits and expansion recorded by the businesses already engaged in the sector as well as the increasing interest among foreign businesses/investors to explore the growing opportunities. Given all these factors, foreign businesses/investors could confidently explore the expanding business/investment opportunities in Sri Lanka’s renewable energy generation sector.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/20260121/Z_4 |