News

Minister proposes involvement of cooperatives to halt sand mafia

Published

5 years ago

2021/03/6

By Rathindra Kuruwita

The Ministry of Environment is planning to involve the cooperative system in mining and distribuion of sand in a bid to end illegal sand mining and bring down the sand prices, Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said yesterday.

This was proposed during a meeting the Minister had with officials of the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau.

“We discussed how to control the price of sand because it was obvious that businessmen are artificially inflating prices. There are also reports of these businessmen mixing high quality sand with other varieties of sand not suitable for construction work. These businessmen also create artificial shortages of sand, the Minister said, adding that three cubes of sand were sold at Manampitiya, a major source of sand, at Rs. 14,000. However, the same quantity was sold in Colombo and other urban areas at around Rs. 65,000, he said.

“Thus, I instructed officials to formulate a plan to address these issues. It was proposed that the cooperative system can be used to tackle most of these issues. As a pilot project, we will create cooperatives of sand miners in six locations in Batticaloa, Trincomalee and Polonnaruwa. We will also set up a system to regulate excavation and transport.”

Secretary to the Ministry of Environment Dr. Anil Jasinghe said that despite attempts made to ensure that the vulnerable rural communities enjoyed the benefits of natural resources in their areas, a cabal of regional politicians and businessmen controlled and benefited from those resources. “When I was in the Health Ministry, I thought the pharmaceutical mafia was strong, but now I see that the sand and granite mafia is as strong as that. This mafia controls the price of sand and granite and the prices do not reflect the scarcity of the resources.”

The regional politicians were controlling sand and granite extraction and members of the vulnerable rural communities were employed as labourers. Those regional politicians and businessmen also flouted laws openly, he said.

“For example, machines can’t be used to extract sand from rivers. They can only be used to extract sand from river beds but everyone knows that machines are used to extract sand directly from forests. Our objective is to allow the poor people to benefit from these resources but they are only labourers now”

The economic situation was not good and that members of the vulnerable communities should be allowed to enjoy the resources around them, the Ministry Secretary said.

Dr. Jasinghe said sand like all other resources had to be exploited in a sustainable manner.

All News Advertisement

News

The book “Intimidated?” presents a significant and timely contribution to understanding challenges, resilience, and innovation in the modern world, offering valuable insights for education, research, and social transformation – PM

Published

1 hour ago

2026/03/30

Priyan

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya made these remarks while participating in the book launch of “Intimidated?” authored by Professor Suranga Nanayakkara, Head of Department at the National University of Singapore, held on Saturday 28 March 2026 at the Lotus Hall of BMICH.

Authored by Professor Suranga Nanayakkara, the book “Intimidated?” reflects on contemporary global and personal challenges, innovation, and the importance of resilience, offering readers a thoughtful and inspiring perspective grounded in academic experience and global exposure. The publication, along with its English translation, was ceremonially presented to the Prime Minister during the event.

Congratulating the author on this important publication, the Prime Minister stated that such scholarly work plays a vital role in inspiring future generations, particularly students and young researchers, to think critically, embrace challenges, and contribute meaningfully to society. She further emphasized the importance of knowledge-sharing and innovation in shaping a progressive and inclusive educational environment in Sri Lanka.

The Prime Minister also ceremonially launched the programme to distribute 5,000 copies of the book free of charge to students and educational institutions, highlighting the importance of making knowledge accessible to a wider audience.

The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eranga Weeraratne, Secretary to the Ministry of Education Nalaka Kaluwewa, family members of Professor Suranga Nanayakkara, university Vice Chancellors, professors and lecturers, senior officials of the Ministry of Education, school principals, students, and invited guests.

(Prime Minister’s Media Division)

News

It is the government’s objective to create an education system that provides every child with access to modern technological opportunities — Prime Minister

Published

1 hour ago

2026/03/30

Priyan

Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, stated that it is the government’s objective to establish an education system that ensures every child has access to modern technological opportunities.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while attending the opening ceremony of the National Competition of the World Robot Olympiad (WRO), that aims to elevate the technological skills of Sri Lanka’s younger generation to international standards, held on Saturday (28) at Burhani Serendib College in Colombo.

A total of 66 teams from schools across the island participated in this year’s competition, marking a threefold increase compared to last year. The event was held under the theme “Robots Meet Culture,” and over 500 students, presented creations blending local culture with modern engineering concepts.

Expressing her views, the Prime Minister stated:

“In today’s rapidly evolving world, giving priority to the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) should be a national priority.

Platforms such as the World Robot Olympiad provide opportunities for our younger generation to develop essential skills such as logical thinking, innovation, and teamwork”,

Sri Lanka participated in the International Robot Olympiad held in Singapore in 2025, with two teams representing the country, which marked a highly significant and enriching experience for our children.

The Prime Minister further emphasized that the government remains committed to building an education system that enables every child to benefit from such technological opportunities.

The event was attended by the Secretary to the Prime Minister, Pradeep Saputhanthri, officials from the Indian High Commission, government officials, and school students.

(Prime Minister’s Media Division)

Latest News

Heat Index likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Eastern, North-western, Northern and North-central provinces and in Monaragala district

Published

2 hours ago

2026/03/30

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 29 March 2026, valid for 30 March 2026.

The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Eastern, North-western, Northern and North-central provinces and in Monaragala district.

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 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.