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Environment Minister wants end to plunder of resources by outsiders sporting gold bracelets, chains, while poor villagers are left with nothing

Published

3 years ago

2021/09/28

Sahan Weerasooriya

Samperkudi Lagoon

By Ifham Nizam

Plans are underway to give priority to the issue of sand mining permits to families living in the Trincomalee District to alleviate poverty, the Environment Ministry said yesterday.

Residents of the Trincomalee district have not yet been given priority in the issuance of sand mining permits. Therefore, the Minister of Environment Mahinda Amaraweera has instructed the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau to give priority to the people living in sand mining villages in Trincomalee in the future when issuing permits for sand mining.

The Minister recently paid an official visit to Trincomalee to inquire into sand mining and other environmental issues. A discussion on sand mining was held at the District Secretariat.

The Minister said that he had been to Neelapola village, where he witnessed large scale sand mining being carried out.

“I met the licensees who were doing that. They were wearing thick gold chains. Some businessmen also sported gold bracelets. But the innocent people, born in the village of Neelapola, did not have even copper amulets,” Minister Amaraweera revealed.

Amaraweera said villagers watched outsiders plunger the resources of their villages. In order to eradicate poverty in such villages, the benefits of the natural resources available there should be given to the villagers.

The Minister said priority should be given to the permanent residents of the villages, especially in the Trincomalee District, in issuing sand permits.

The Geological Survey and Mines Bureau should take necessary action in that regard, he told officials.

The Environment Minister also said media reports that environmental destruction was rampant in the district were true.

He said that the situation was very serious. “Lagoon filling is also done in other areas. This work is done using soil removed from the tanks. Legal action must be taken against the culprits.

“Some of our officials are also promoting these activities. We have information about that. So, we want to punish such officers who help to destroy the environment regardless of their positions. Take action now. I would like to remind you that natural resources should be used sparingly. Environmental resources are limited. Therefore, the available resources should be managed, the Minister said.

Secretary to the Ministry Dr. Anil Jasinghe and officials from the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau were also present on the occasion.

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Senior Journalist Victor Ivan passes away

Published

5 hours ago

2025/01/19

Priyan

Victor Ivan, former editor of the Raavaya newspaper has passed away . He was 75 at the time of his demise.

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Landslide early warnings issued to the district of Badulla , Kandy , Kurunegala and Matale

Published

14 hours ago

2025/01/19

Priyan

The National Building Research Organization [NBRO] has issued landslide early warnings to the districts of Badulla, Kandy, Kurunegala and Matale at 0800 hrs today valid until 0800hrs on Monday 20th January 2025.

Accordingly,

Level II [Amber] landslide early warnings have been issued to the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Ududumbara in the Kandy district and Rattota, Yatawatta, Ukuwela and Wilgamuwa in the Matale district.

Level I [Yellow] landslide early warnings have been issued to the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Badulla, Passara and Hali Ela in the Badulla district, Meda Dumbara, Phatha Dumbara and Doluwa in the Kandy district and Laggala Pallegama, Ambanganga Korale, Pallepola, Naula and Matale in the Matale district

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It is the Government’s intention to provide justice to the grieving people – Prime Minister

Published

15 hours ago

2025/01/19

Priyan

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said that it is the Government’s intention to provide justice to the people who are deprived of the same due to rewards and sponsorships.

The Premier made this statement at the occasion of handing over the renovated Court of Appeal building to the public on Saturday (18). The renovations was a donation from the People’s Republic of China.

Further she mentioned that the investment made in a country’s judicial system and in the provision of facilities for the delivery of justice to the people is a reflection of the commitment made towards the country and its people. “This is not just a building, but a symbol of the delivery of justice, fairness of law, equality and dignity. Our country has suffered for decades because many were denied justice under systems of rewards and sponsorships. Our intention is to resolve those deficiencies, bring forth fairness and ensure that everyone has access to justice”, she added.

“The people must be able to keep trust and rely on the judicial system by exemplifying that the legal powers granted to judges by the Constitution are exercised fairly and providing independent and fair judgment to the parties concerned. Everyone, including women, children and the disabled community, expects justice. Their aspiration is that such a system will ensure that no one faces hardships, an attention will be paid to their mental conditions, protection from the consequences they may face when seeking justice for them or defending their rights. All actors in this process must be treated with respect. There are people who have faced hardships for years in the pursuit of justice. We ensure that they are treated fairly. They should not be subjected to intimidation, harassment or threat in the pursuit of justice”, the Premier highlighted.

The Prime Minister further expressed her gratitude to the People’s Republic of China for their generosity and support.

A group of invitees including the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Sri Lanka, Qi Zhenhong, Chief Justice Murdu Fernando and many others participated in this event.