Mannar oil and gas drilling plans face opposition from Sri Lanka’s Catholic Bishops, who call for public consultation and environmental safeguards.
Mannar oil and gas drilling has drawn concern from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Sri Lanka over its possible environmental and social impact.
The Bishops’ Conference has focused attention on reported fuel and gas exploration and drilling activities in the sea surrounding Mannar Island.
While acknowledging that such projects could contribute positively to Sri Lanka’s economic development, the Bishops stressed that authorities must first conduct a transparent and proper environmental assessment.
The special statement also highlights concerns over large-scale sand mining already taking place on Mannar Island.
According to the Bishops’ Conference, those activities are causing serious environmental damage and have created significant unrest among residents.
Reports of possible Mannar oil and gas drilling have further intensified those concerns among people living in the area.
The Bishops’ Conference said authorities have a responsibility to properly inform local communities before implementing development projects of such scale.
It also called for the views of affected residents to be sought before authorities proceed with the projects, reflecting its demand for meaningful public consultation.
The Bishops further stressed that any development must protect the rights and dignity of local communities.
They warned that oil and gas exploration or drilling should not damage the livelihoods of Mannar Island’s fishing community.
The Bishops’ Conference also said authorities must ensure that the region’s water resources remain protected from any harmful consequences linked to such activities.
The official statement was dated September 10, 2026.
It was issued with the signatures of members of the Bishops’ Council, including His Eminence Harold Anthony Perera, Chairman of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Sri Lanka.
The statement reflects decisions taken during the full session of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference held from August 18 to 20, 2026.
The Bishops’ position places environmental protection, public consultation and community livelihoods at the centre of the debate over Mannar oil and gas drilling.
