Tuesday Feb 03, 2026
Tuesday Feb 03, 2026
Tuesday, 3 February 2026 04:03 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The Government has initiated steps to formally protect, reassess and potentially develop a large vein quartz (Dhamani Thiruvana) deposit in Monaragala District, following a field visit by Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Minister Sunil Handunnetthi.
The Minister visited the Kotikambokka vein quartz deposit on Sunday to observe the site and assess its potential contribution to the national economy. The deposit, which is currently not being mined, spans around 700 metres and has been identified through preliminary scientific studies as holding an estimated 3.1 billion tons of vein quartz, indicating one of the most significant known reserves of the mineral in the country.
Handunnetthi noted that the outcome of the reassessment and protection measures would play a key role in determining how the Kotikambokka vein quartz deposit could be responsibly integrated into Sri Lanka’s broader industrial and mineral development strategy.
The visit was aimed at understanding both the economic potential of the resource and the institutional, legal and environmental challenges that would need to be addressed before any formal extraction could take place. Following the site inspection, the Minister held discussions with representatives of the Forest Conservation Department, the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau, and the National Gem and Jewellery Authority.
Several key decisions were reached during these discussions. Authorities agreed on the immediate implementation of a structured protection programme to prevent illegal and unauthorised mining activities at the site, which has been identified as a growing risk given the scale and value of the deposit.
The Forest Conservation Department was tasked with formally demarcating the area in which the deposit is located. In addition, officials were instructed to prepare and submit a comprehensive report to the relevant Divisional Secretary detailing any operational or legal obstacles encountered during the execution of their duties in relation to safeguarding the site.
Recognising that existing estimates are based on preliminary studies, the Government also decided to undertake a recalculation of the reserve using more advanced and accurate scientific methods. This reassessment is expected to provide a clearer understanding of the quality, accessibility and commercial viability of the deposit, which will be critical for future policy and investment decisions.
Once outstanding legal, environmental and regulatory issues are resolved, the authorities plan to move towards a transparent and competitive mining process. This will include calling for Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from qualified parties for formal mining operations, in line with national regulations and environmental safeguards.
The discussions and field visit were attended by Monaragala District Member of Parliament Chaturi Gangani, National Gem and Jewellery Authority Chairman Dr. S.P. Chaminda, Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Ministry Additional Secretary Mahesh Abeysekara, Geological Survey and Mines Bureau Chairman J.M.S.N. Jayasinghe, and Gem and Jewellery Research and Training Institute Chairman Prof. G.W.A. Rohan Fernando, along with other senior Government officials.
