A demonstration is being held obstructing the Chilaw – Puttalam main road at the Maa Oya bridge in Kochchikade.

Residents of the Jambugaswatta, Halpe, Muruthenna Thoppuwa, Udagangawa and surrounding areas in the Katana Electorate took part in the demonstration.

The protesters cited that sand mining has resulted in the creation of dangerous ditches the area. Our correspondent said that some of ditches are over a foot deep.

A number of injuries have been reported due to the unsafe environment created due to this situation. Two lives have also been lost.