Environment Minister wants end to plunder of resources by outsiders sporting gold bracelets, chains, while poor villagers are left with nothing

By Ifham Nizam

Plans are underway to give priority to the issue of sand mining permits to families living in the Trincomalee District to alleviate poverty, the Environment Ministry said yesterday.

Residents of the Trincomalee district have not yet been given priority in the issuance of sand mining permits. Therefore, the Minister of Environment Mahinda Amaraweera has instructed the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau to give priority to the people living in sand mining villages in Trincomalee in the future when issuing permits for sand mining.

The Minister recently paid an official visit to Trincomalee to inquire into sand mining and other environmental issues. A discussion on sand mining was held at the District Secretariat.

The Minister said that he had been to Neelapola village, where he witnessed large scale sand mining being carried out.

“I met the licensees who were doing that. They were wearing thick gold chains. Some businessmen also sported gold bracelets. But the innocent people, born in the village of Neelapola, did not have even copper amulets,” Minister Amaraweera revealed.

Amaraweera said villagers watched outsiders plunger the resources of their villages. In order to eradicate poverty in such villages, the benefits of the natural resources available there should be given to the villagers.

The Minister said priority should be given to the permanent residents of the villages, especially in the Trincomalee District, in issuing sand permits.

The Geological Survey and Mines Bureau should take necessary action in that regard, he told officials.

The Environment Minister also said media reports that environmental destruction was rampant in the district were true.

He said that the situation was very serious. “Lagoon filling is also done in other areas. This work is done using soil removed from the tanks. Legal action must be taken against the culprits.

“Some of our officials are also promoting these activities. We have information about that. So, we want to punish such officers who help to destroy the environment regardless of their positions. Take action now. I would like to remind you that natural resources should be used sparingly. Environmental resources are limited. Therefore, the available resources should be managed, the Minister said.

Secretary to the Ministry Dr. Anil Jasinghe and officials from the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau were also present on the occasion.