Large scale sand mining racket in Tukinhanwatta backed by politician?

COLOMBO (News 1st): Area residents of Tukinhanwatta, Amithirigala, Avissawella allege that a large scale sand mining scam is been conducted in the area. They point out that this has adversely impacted the environment. Tukinhanwatta in Amithirigala is a water catchment and it supplies water to meet the needs of the residents of a number of villages. However, the area residents allege that large scale sand mining in the area has severely impacted this area. Area residents together with representatives of the Rainforest Protectors of Sri Lanka attempted to inspect the area last Friday. However, they were denied entry by a group of representatives who are said to be from a contracted company who are working on the plot of land. Afterwards, the police arrived at the scene. The area residents allege that the sand smugglers in the area are backed by political powers. One of the villagers claimed that they have received information that it is being done by the brother of Minister Kabir Hashim. The residents claim that once all this is cut down that the people in the area will not have a single drop of water.