President orders control of illegal sand and stone trade

President Maithripala Sirisena has ordered for speedy steps to be taken to control the illegal sand and stone excavation and trade.    

He made these remarks while speaking at the Silver Jubilee celebrations of the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau, held at the Water’s Edge Hotel in Battaramulla on Monday (26 March).

The 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 emphasised the need of continuous coordination between these two institutions.

President Sirisena mentioned the environmental pollution that took place in Muthurajawela, and said that, in order to save the environment from corrupt and unscrupulous businessmen, it should be a priority of Government organisations 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 program to regularise activities in the fields of mining, geology, research and studies by utilising 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.

Megapolis and Western Development Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka, Mahaweli Development and Environment Deputy Minister Anuradha Jayaratne, former Minister Athauda Seneviratne, Sri Lanka Land Reclamation and Development Cooperation Chairman Asela Iddawela and others were present in this event.