Colombo (News 1st): The Ministry of Mahaweli Development and Environment, the Central Environmental Authority, the Wildlife Conservation Department and the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau commenced a research study at Suriyapura, Kantale in the Trincomalee district on sand mining. This is to help facilitate the issuing of licences for sand mining. They were accompanied by the Navy and the Police.

Speaking to the media, Director of the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau Asela Fernando said a committee comprising all institutions had carried out the research at all places where the sand is being excavated. He added that they had inspected over 16 such locations. The objective of this research is to award licenses so that the sand excavation is done in an environmentally friendly manner.

The sand mining licences in the Trincomalee District were suspended from the 15th until the 28th of this month. This was done after taking into consideration the environmental impact and the complaints that were received regarding sand mining.

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