Plans to provide sea sand for construction at subsidized prices

The Sri Lanka Land Development Corporation says that it is expected to obtain two million cubic meters of sea sand this year.

The project is being implemented according to the instructions of the Minister of Urban Development and Housing Prasanna Ranatunga.

Minister Ranatunga has also instructed the Sri Lanka Land Development Corporation to sell a cube of sea sand that is washed and prepared to the required standard at an affordable price to the public.

From Muthurajawela beach to Negombo, sea sand is pumped from the sea to the land at a distance of 10-15 km.

It has been recognized that due to this sea sand mining project, the fishermen living in the sea coast from Colombo to Negombo will be affected.

The Minister has also instructed the officials to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources regarding the development of infrastructure in those fishing areas for the betterment of the affected fishing community. Before that, he also advised to take steps to inform the political authority, religious leaders of the area as well as fishing societies in this regard.

It has also been agreed to provide an amount of LKR 200mn for the development of the fishing community’s infrastructure. The minister strongly emphasized to the officials including the chairman of Sri Lanka Land Development Corporation to take measures to provide the money transparently to the people who are in need of it.

Minister Ranatunga also emphasized on obtaining environmental assessment reports from institutions such as Coastal Conservation Authority, Nara Institute and Central Environmental Authority before obtaining sea sand.