Large-scale illegal gem mining operation on Walawe Ganga

By Samaraweera Niroshana

A large-scale illegal gem mining operation, which had been active for several years and involved multiple groups using heavy machinery, has been raided by officers from the Kahawatta Police Special Task Force (STF) and the National Gem and Jewellery Authority (NGJA).

The operation was uncovered at a site known as Ekata Gatuma in Nivithigala, Erabedda, along the Walawe River. The NGJA described the raid as one of the largest actions, in recent history, against illegal gem mining.

According to the STF, equipment used for gem mining, and 20 individuals involved in the operation, were taken into custody during the raid. Those arrested were later released on local bail under the authority of the NGJA, with legal proceedings now underway.

The Ekata Gatuma site is reportedly renowned for yielding valuable gemstones and had been operated by multiple groups for an extended period. Although the issue had been raised during a Ratnapura District Coordination Committee meeting, under the previous administration, no action was taken to raid the site until recently.

Sources within the gem mining industry allege that political interference had previously obstructed efforts to target illegal operations in the area.

Items seized during the raid included three modern dredging machines used to extract gemstones from the riverbed, seven air compressor systems and associated diving equipment, two barrel boats to support machinery in the water, three generators, and three electric water pumps, according to the STF.

An officer from the NGJA’s Ratnapura office stated that decisive measures had been taken to halt large-scale illegal gem mining operations, which have caused extensive environmental damage.