Public outcry against illegal sand mining

Colombo (News 1st): A public outcry can be seen throughout the country at present, against illegal sand mining. Here are several such incidents that occurred over the past 48 hours. Wellawaya A tense situation occurred during a demonstration that was organized to oppose a sand mining operation that was being carried out in Sudupaanagala, Wellawaya. Residents allege that illegal sand mining is being carried out under the guise of removing sludge from the Kirindi Oya. A tense situation ensued when a person connected to the operation arrived at the scene. Our correspondent said Police had to intervene to ease the situation. Ampara A story where a road utilized by several villages being dilapidated as a result of illegal sand miners, was reported from Padiyathalawa, Ampara. Area residents point out, this road which is the entrance road to many villages including Padiyathalawa, Kolaniya, Holike, and Thalaapitaoya is in a dilapidated state as a result of heavy tipper trucks travelling on it. Although the Chairman of the Pradeshiya Sabha has taken steps to place a board prohibiting heavy vehicles from entering the road, that attempt has proved futile. Kandakkuliya Meanwhile, our correspondent said that sand mining in the Mukkuthoduwawa area in Kandakkuliya has been temporarily suspended. On the 19th of this month, a tense situation arose in the area during a protest which was organized to oppose illegal sand mining. Area residents point out that illegal sand mining has been occurring for over 10 years under the guise of fish farming.