Illegal sand mines and quarries in Hambantota ordered to close immediately

By Sanath Gamage

Hambantota District Coordinating Committee that met on Tuesday (24) decided to order the closure of all illegal sand mining sites, gravel mining sites and unauthorized quarries in the district within a week.   

The Coordinating Committee met under the co-chairmanship of Parliamentarian Nihal Galappatthi and Governor, Southern Province Bandula Harischandra at the Hambantota District Secretariat.   

Parliamentarian Nihal Galappatthi told the meeting that the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau and the other relevant authorities were at liberty to enforce the law without any political interference. He stressed that the Jathika Jana Balawegaya (NPP) parliamentarians would standby them in case of any issue affecting the officials.   

Parliamentarian Aravinda Senerath Vitharana pointed out that a massive environmental damage has been going on unchecked in the Hambantota District for about two decades and that immediate steps would be taken to prevent it. He said no parliamentarian of the district had not obtained sand mining or quarry permits.   

Ambalanthota Divisional Secretary Chintha Wanniarachchi, Hambantota District Asst. Director of Agrarian Services Pubudu Ramanayaka and several senior official were present.