COLOMBO (News 1st); A land in a mountain range in Embilipitiya that is rich in biodiversity is to be leased out to a private company for mining.

This has stirred concerns among area residents and environmentalists.

The Sankapaala Galbokka mountain range in Embilipitiya is home to rich biodiversity, protecting more than a hundred species of fauna and flora, including medicinal plants.

Area residents lament the national resource which consists of both external and internal water resources has been neglected for several years.

Our cameras captured the fate that has befallen this ancient sanctuary, which is now facing destruction as a result of being neglected.

Some areas in the Galbokka Mountain Range have already fallen prey to illegal excavations by certain groups.

Residents say the government is planning to give away a 200 acre land in the mountain range to a private company to mine for minerals such as Calcite, Dolomite, and Silicate.

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