All sand mining permits in the Mannar District have been temporarily suspended following growing concerns surrounding the manner in which permits were being issued in the area.
The decision was taken during a special discussion held yesterday (10) at the Mannar District Secretariat involving officials and sand business owners. The meeting focused on preventing illegal sand rackets, regulating sand prices, and reviewing the current permit issuing process.
Chairman of the District Development Committee and Deputy Minister of Co-operative Development, Upali Samarasinghe stated that future sand mining permits would be issued under a newly prepared legal framework.
According to him, sand business owners used the discussion to present their concerns, proposals, and recommendations regarding the industry and pricing structure.
Business representatives reportedly requested that three cubes of sand be supplied at Rs. 50,000 for the construction of houses for low-income families, while government construction projects be provided three cubes at Rs. 65,000. They also proposed a transport fee increase of Rs. 350 per kilometre for deliveries to other Divisional Secretariat divisions.
The Deputy Minister further explained that new legal provisions relating to the issuance of permits are currently being drafted. He noted that the Minister and the Director of the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau had agreed that a fresh set of regulations would be prepared under the supervision and final approval of the District Secretary.
He also expressed confidence that the revised system would bring greater formality and transparency to the process of issuing sand mining permits in the district.
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