News
Ratnapura, particularly Kiriella, turning into Wild West?
Authorities turning blind eye to mechanised gem mining
By Rathindra Kuruwita
Some powerful businessmen in Ratnapura were engaged in unauthorised mechanised gem mining with the backing of powerful politicians, and their illegal operations caused severe environmental damage and affected the lives of many people, Sajeewa Chamikara of the Movement for Land and Agricultural Reform (MONLAR) alleged yesterday.
Chamikara told The Island that those businessmen only cared about raking in profits. “However, thousands of people are suffering because they face a serious shortage of water, threat of landslides. There is nothing they can do because politicians and businessmen have suppressed their voice.”
Chamikara alleged that the Police and the Gem and Jewellery Authority had refused to carry out their duties. Officers did not raid the illegal mining sites.
“There has been an increase in the number of licences issued for gem mining. This has encouraged illegal mechanical mining. Gems are expensive but the long-term damage to the environment and the society will be greater.”
Many places along the Ve Ganga were being dug up with backhoes, bulldozers and extractors, and mechanical excavation, was damaging the water sources of the area, he said.
“When the excavated soil is cleaned, a large volume of sediment gets mixed with the river water. Mechanical mining also damages riverbanks, deepens the rivers and affects underground water levels. Because of this, many people are not able to use their wells or to supply water to their farms,” he said.
Chamikara said that there were many adverse social and environmental effects even when mechanical gem mining was done legally. Most of the authorised mechanical mining operations were done in paddy fields, in the Kiriella Divisional Secretariat area, he said. Approval of the Department of Agrarian Services was needed for gem mining in paddy lands and department officials had authorised the mining of some of the most fertile paddy lands in Ratnapura although excavation makes it impossible for these paddy fields to be used again.
“The Gem and Jewellery Authority only allows mechanical mining in sites over an acre. There are many such sites in the district now. Those engaged in this practice, pump out water from the paddy fields to make it easy to dig the mine. However, when they do this, it becomes impossible for nearby paddy fields to operate as well because there is no water. Then there is the depositing sediment in nearby lands when excavated soil is cleaned. This has made hundreds of acres of paddy land uncultivable, but the Department of Agrarian Services has allowed the practice to go on.”
High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Sri Lanka Major General (Retd) Nayyar Naseer met with the Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at Temple Trees on 30th April
Welcoming the High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Sri Lanka, the Prime Minister expressed sincere appreciation for the continued support and cooperation extended by the Government of Pakistan to Sri Lanka, particularly the assistance provided following the Ditwah Cyclone.
Both sides reaffirmed the longstanding and cordial relations between Sri Lanka and Pakistan, which are founded on mutual respect, friendship, and shared interests.
The meeting also focused on the importance of further strengthening collaboration in key sectors such as education, tourism, and sports, with a view to enhancing people-to-people ties and creating new opportunities for cooperation reiterating Sri Lanka’s commitment to deepening bilateral engagement.
The meeting was attended by the Deputy High Commissioner of Pakistan to Sri Lanka Ms. Zunaira Latif, Secretary to the Prime Minister, Pradeep Saputhanthri, Additional Secretary Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.
(Prime Minister’s Media Division)
The Ambassador of Nepal to SriLanka, Dr. Purna Bahadurn Nepali paid a farewell courtesy call on Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on Thursday (30th of April) at Temple Trees.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister conveyed sincere appreciation for the dedicated service and valuable contributions towards strengthening the longstanding bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Nepal during the tenure of Dr. Purna Bahadurn Nepali.
Both parties reaffirmed the longstanding bilateral relations between the two countries, which are based on shared cultural, religious, and historical linkages. The Prime Minister also reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to further deepening bilateral relations with Nepal and enhancing cooperation for the mutual benefit of both nations.
The meeting was attended by the Secretary to the Prime Minister, Pradeep Saputhanthri, Additional Secretary Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.
(Prime Minister’s Media Division)
Latest News
Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa, North-western provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 01 May 2026, valid for 02 May 2026.
The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa, North-western provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time.
The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.
Effect of the heat index on the human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.
US said to be withdrawing 5,000 troops from Germany over Iran war spat
Bangladesh eye rare double-series win over New Zealand in rainy Dhaka
Rahul, Nissanka fifties lead 226 chase as Delhi Capitals return to winning ways
Pakistan High Commissioner pays courtsey call on PM
Ambassador of Nepal to Sri Lanka pays farewll call on PM
Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa, North-western provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
Sunday Island 27 December – Headlines
#SundayIsland 17th December – Headlines
Sunday Island – 28th March
Sunday Island Headlines – 21 March
Sunday Island – 21st February – Headlines
-
News3 days agoTreasury chief’s citizenship details sought from Australia
-
News5 days agoBIA drug bust: 25 monks including three masterminds arrested
-
Business6 days agoNestlé Lanka Announces Change in Leadership
-
News6 days agoHackers steal $3.2 Mn from Finance Ministry
-
News5 days agoBanks alert customers to phishing attacks
-
News2 days agoRooftop Solar at Crossroads as Sri Lanka Shifts to Distributed Energy Future
-
News4 days agoGovt. assures UN of readiness to introduce ‘vetting process’ for troops on overseas missions
-
Business4 days agoADB-backed grid upgrade tender signals next phase of Sri Lanka’s energy transition