Reports on sand mining off Batticaloa seas false: MoD

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Ministry of Defence has denied reports published on alleged mining in the seas off the coast of Batticaloa by a barge anchored in the seas near Batticaloa.

Issuing a press release, the Ministry stated that the barge had been anchored off Batticaloa due to an emergency situation following a fuel shortage during the ship's expedition from the UAE to Bangladesh.

The Ministry states that the barge has been scheduled to sail to its destination after refueling from the local shipping agent, Victory Agencies in Trincomalee.