Prioritise issuing sand mining permits to villagers who depend on it: Amaraweera

Environment Ministry has instructed the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau (GSMB) to give priority to the people living in sand mining villages in Trincomalee in the future when issuing permits for sand mining.

The decision was announced following the official visit to Trincomalee to inquire into sand mining and other environmental issues. 

The discussion on sand mining was held at the District Secretariat involving Minister Mahinda Amaraweera.

“A large scale sand mining is being carried out in Neelapola village,” the Minister said.

To eradicate poverty in the villages, the benefits of the natural resources available in the village should be given to the villagers who domicile within. 

Therefore, from now onwards, priority should be given to the permanent residents of the villages, especially in the Trincomalee District, when issuing sand mining permits.

The GSMB should take necessary action to address this issue, the minister reiterated. (Chaturanga Samarawickma)