Tamil farmers in eastern Sri Lanka have been at the forefront of protesting the government’s and India’s plan to construct a solar power plant on ancestral lands, which they claim were seized during the country’s civil war. The farmers argue that the project, which is part of a broader initiative to bolster renewable energy production, infringes upon their rights and fails to account for historical injustices. They are demanding compensation for the loss of their land and the displacement of their communities, which they believe has long-term implications for their livelihoods.
The dispute has intensified as the project moves forward, raising questions about the government’s commitment to addressing historical grievances and the rights of minority communities. While the solar power plant is positioned as a key component of Sri Lanka’s strategy to reduce carbon emissions and achieve energy independence, the farmers’ protests highlight the social costs of such initiatives. The conflict has sparked calls for a more inclusive approach to development projects, with activists urging the government to prioritize dialogue and compensation mechanisms over large-scale infrastructure projects.