Villagers protest rock blasting at Hantana

By L.B.Senaratne

The Hantana range, identified as an area which is susceptible to big earthslips is in danger due to the blasting of rock in its foothills by a Colombo based businessman. At the last meeting of the Central Provincial Council, this matter was taken up and it was pointed out to its Chairman W.Yasamana that immediate steps should be taken to arrest this impending catastrophe.

Part of Uduwela village has been identified years ago as an area prone to earth slips. This area includes the Hantana Raja Maha Vihare. Rock blasting is being carried out adjoining the Vihare land and there are said to be moves by the businessman to open a quarry despite protests from the Hewaheta Pradeshiya Sabha. It is learnt that the environmental authorities had given approval despite the objections of the Hewahata Pradeshiya Sabha.

The land in question is said to belong to the Hantana Raja Maha Vihare and given on long lease by an earlier incumbent to this businessman to grow vegetables, but not for any rock blasting. The people of this area who have complained question as to what action the Buddhist Commissioner's Department intends to take on this issue.

Villagers who have used paths across this land for generations are driven away by this businessman due to the rock blasting. People in the Uduwela area served by the Hantana Raja Maha Vihare are up in arms against this businessman, but he is said to use his influence to carry on the blasting.