The fuller five-member senior bench in the Supreme Court (SC) appointed by CJ to hear the Adani Wind Power case citing the importance of this National Project to the economy and Energy Sustainability in Sri Lanka today (02) rejected the request for an early hearing and extension of support days by Petitioners and said the court would list the case in October.

"No interim relief."

The SC has not given any stay orders against the objections filed by Wildlife Nature Protection Society (WNPS), Dr. Rohan Pethiyagoda and some scientists – challenging the cabinet decision announced on 6 May 2024 to award the tender to Adani group and for GoSL to enter into a PPA to purchase wind power from Adani at $ cents 8.26 per KW unit for the next 20 years, reported on Friday.

Adani Project Details and Benefits to the Country

Adani's project marks the largest renewable energy investment in Sri Lanka, amounting to over US$ 1 billion. This investment includes the development of the country's largest wind power plant with a capacity of 484 MW, which is set to be implemented in record time. Additionally, the project will feature the longest 400 kV transmission backbone line, crucial for connecting new renewable energy plants with a combined capacity of 1,200 MW. The wind energy generated will help Sri Lanka save approximately LKR 30 billion annually, leading to a reduction in consumer tariffs by nearly LKR 17 per unit. Moreover, this project promises to deliver the lowest implementable wind tariffs in the country, positioning Sri Lanka as a competitive player in the renewable energy sector.

Potential Impact if Adani Withdraws

Should Adani withdraw from the project, Sri Lanka would miss out on a substantial 100% foreign direct investment, signaling to the global community that the country is closing its doors to FDI in the renewable energy sector. Currently, recent investments, such as a 50 MW project, have been driven by local investors, with no international participation. This underscores the unique capability of Adani to undertake the 484 MW wind project. Furthermore, Adani's steadfast commitment, even during Sri Lanka's economic crisis, sets a precedent that no other investor may match. Losing Adani's investment could deter future international investors from considering Sri Lanka as a viable market for large-scale renewable energy projects.