Fast-unto-death over sand mining issue called off

A fast-unto-death held in protest against sand mining in the Madampe area was called off last evening. The three persons who were engaged in the fast were then admitted to Madampe Hospital for treatment.

A fast initially commenced on January 23 with the participation of eight area residents against what they called indiscriminate sand mining in the area. However, three of their number commenced a fast-unto-death on the night of January 25 after no one in authority came to inquire into their demands. 

Area residents then held a protest yesterday in support of the fasting residents, holding up traffic along the Madampe-Kuliyapitiya Road for more than three hours. They then made their way to the Madampe Divisional Secretariat and held a protest blocking its entrance. As a result no one could get in or out of the Divisional Secretariat building for several hours. 

Representatives of the protesters were then given a meeting with the Madampe Divisional Secretary, and the protest and fast were both called off following these discussions. 

Residents said the fast was called off after assurances by authorities that a report of a joint study into sand mining in the area is due to be submitted this week, and taking the deteriorating health conditions of those engaged in the fast. 

Though the fast was called off, residents pledged to hold a 'Sathyagraha' until a permanent solution could be found for their issues. 

Text and Pix By Jude Samantha