Relaxation of sand, soil transportation permit to be reviewed next week

• Permit requirement relaxed for the week, subject to confirmation by Cabinet next week
• Decision taken on request of construction and local industry

The decision to withdraw the permit requirement for the transportation of sand, soil and clay will be effective this week but will be subject to a Cabinet review next week, Government spokesman Minister Bandula Gunawardana said yesterday.

He said the permit requirement was relaxed after representations were made by those in the construction and local industry who faced a great deal of hassle in getting such permits.

“This move will be subject to review at next week’s Cabinet meeting and only then will it be decided if this can be applied as a long-term policy,” he said.

The Minister added that the environmental regulations governing sand mining had not been relaxed in any way and would be strictly implemented.

“This only applies to the transportation of these materials and not for mining,” he added.