Environment Minister Mahinda Amaraweera has instructed the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau (GSMB) to submit an immediate report on the illegal filling of lagoons by certain groups in the Eastern Province (EP) using soil from tanks.

He said the reclamation of lagoons in the Eastern Province, especially in the Batticaloa District, is being carried out with the involvement of certain local politicians and that he has received reports that the reclamation of lagoons is taking place in the Batticaloa area.

The Minister also said the Regional Offices of the GSMB is not functioning properly due to the Covid-19 epidemic and instructed that a minimum number of officers should be deployed immediately.

The Minister is scheduled to hold a special discussion on the environmental issues in the Eastern Province today through zoom. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)