Illegal quartz mining site in Wellawaya raided; Equipment and minerals seized

Colombo, April 9 (Daily Mirror) - An unauthorized quartz mining operation in the Kotikambokka area of Alikota Ara in Wellawaya was raided by officers of the Sri Lanka Police Special Task Force in collaboration with the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau (GSMB), officials said.

They said that the illegal site, which was operating near a quartz deposit, had caused significant environmental damage. During the operation, approximately 70 cubes of illegally mined quartz were seized, along with equipment used in the extraction. Suspects are to be produced before court by the police.

The GSMB said that the area was previously inspected on February 2, 2026, by the Minister of Entrepreneurship Development, Sunil Handunnetti, along with officials from the Department of Forest Conservation and the National Gem and Jewellery Authority. Following the inspection, several measures were agreed upon, including strengthening protection of the deposit, demarcation of the area, and reassessment of mineral reserves using modern scientific methods.

Authorities further highlighted that steps will be taken to ensure transparent and regulated mining activities once legal and environmental concerns are addressed, including inviting expressions of interest for formal mining operations.

The GSMB reiterated its commitment to preventing unauthorized mining and protecting natural resources while promoting sustainable economic development.