Cabinet decision to withdraw sand and clay transport permit opposed

COLOMBO (News 1st) - During a media briefing convened today (December 05) by the Surakimu Sri Lanka Organization, views were expressed with regard to the cabinet's decision to withdraw the sand and clay transport permit. Ven. Pahiyangala Ananda Sagara Thero, President of the Surakimu Sri Lanka Organization noted that S.M.Chandrasena is ignorant and Thero had already stated that soon after his appointment as the Minister of Environment. Thero noted that the minister's entire source of income is illegal sand mining. Thero added that he had spoken to Banduala Gunawardana and during the conversation, he had revealed to Thero that the government would strengthen the land mining permit to assure the safety of the environment. Thero shared that however, the cabinet paper has mentioned nothing of the sort. Thero went on to note that 82% of the illegal sand mining is discovered during the transportation process and there is no point in further strengthing the land mining permit. Thero added stated that he urges the president to appoint a proper, and wise person as the minister of the environment. "Udaya Gammanpila held discussions with us and promised to protect the environment. But today, where is Udaya Gammanpila? We urge the president, to revoke this cabinet decision next week the Thero concluded.