Presidential directive issued to control illegal sand mining trade

President Maithripala Sirisena said that speedy steps will be taken to control the illegal sand and stone excavation trade which pose a serious harm for the enviroment.   

Speaking at the Silver Jubilee celebrations of the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau held at the Water’s Edge Hotel in Battaramulla, yesterday, President further said that the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau and the Central Environmental Authority have a prime responsibility among many other state institutions in this country to nourish and protect the earth, flora and fauna, rivers and lakes while taking care for these elements of the environment and emphasized the need of continuous coordination between these two institutions.

President Sirisena who mentioned about the Environmental pollution took place in Muturajawela and said that in order to save the environment from the corrupted and unscrupulous businessmen. It should be a priority of the Government organizations to work constantly after issuing licenses, by taking steps for post reviewing to check if the projects are properly implemented.

President Sirisena also stressed the need for a new programme to regularize activities in the fields of mining, geology, research and studies by utilizing new technology systematically and efficiently.

The retired officers of the Geological and Mines Bureau and male and female officers who were engaged in service for a long period of time were honoured under the patronage of the President.

Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka, Deputy Minister Anuradha Jayaratne, former Minister Athauda Seneviratne, Chairmen at Sri Lanka Land Reclamation and Development Cooperation Asela Iddawela and others were present in this event.