With a ban having been imposed on sand mining along the Kelani River in the Kaduwela Municipal Council (MC) area, the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau (GSMB) stated that it has reduced the issuance of mining licences due to the rise in illegal activities and their adverse impact on the environment. 

The ban reportedly aims to curb activities such as reclaiming low-lying land, soil washing, and sand mining in the Kaduwela MC area to mitigate the risk of flooding from the Kelani River. This decision was taken during a Regional Development Committee meeting held at the Kaduwela Divisional Secretariat.  

Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (30), the GSMB Director General (DG) Prof. Ranjith Premasiri, stated that the GSMB takes appropriate measures concerning illegal sand mining when Local Authorities make the relevant decisions. "When such a decision is made by the Local Authorities, they inform us about it. Accordingly, we comply with that decision and take suitable actions within our purview. We are taking steps in coordination with the respective Local Authorities to address such illegal activities," he said.  

He also noted that all licensed mining operations are closely monitored by the GSMB, which takes prompt measures regarding special decisions made by the relevant legal authorities. "At present, we don’t issue much mining licences due to these issues and certain regulations," he explained. 

Illegal sand mining has become a significant environmental and social concern in Sri Lanka. Despite relevant laws and regulations, the enforcement of regulations remains a challenge due to, according to media reports, the high demand for sand in the construction industry and the profits associated with illegal mining activities.