Environmentalists have raised concerns over the sand mining project at the Somawathiya reserve, while authorities claim the proceeds of selling the sand will be used to construct a protective dam between the Mahaweli River and the Sooriyapura village.
“So far 25,000 acres in Seruvila and 22500 acres in the Trincomalee district are affected,” Indika Paranavithana, the convener of the Environment Collective of the Trincomalee District said.
“The environment has been damaged, elephant passes have been obstructed”.
However, environment minister S.M. Chandrasena said he has been informed that sand mining is taking place with the consent of state authorities.
“Sand filling has been taking place with the approval of the Mahaweli Authority, the Wildlife Department, the Irrigation Department, and the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau,” the minister said.
(LIN)