illicit gem mining is a common practice in the Gem lands of Sri Lanka particularly in Rathnapura , Kahawattha, Ehaliyagoda and M
oragahakanda area. Speaking to Lankapuvath DIG of Sabaragamuwa Premasiri Vitharana said that, rightly speaking, there are Government Authorities and Boards that are responsible for certain activities. The Gem Authority is one and so are the Excise Department and the Narcotic Bureau.
illicit gem mining is a common practice in the Gem lands of Sri Lanka particularly in Rathnapura , Kahawattha, Ehaliyagoda and Moragahakanda area. Speaking to Lankapuvath DIG of Sabaragamuwa Premasiri Vitharana said that, rightly speaking, there are Government Authorities and Boards that are responsible for certain activities. The Gem Authority is one and so are the Excise Department and the Narcotic Bureau.
No Gem mining or drilling for Gems and precious stones or metal can be carried out anywhere in the island without a proper license.
The Police come in, not to issue such licenses but to look into the violation of such practices in national interest. As regarding Gen mining, the Police is concerned about the maintenance of the law and those who break the law will be dealt with and produced in Courts he said.
It is not uncommon to find the use of machines and technology in gem mining. Frequent use of it may lead to exploitation of the land as well as, indirectly pave the way for landslides.
An instance where illicit gem mining has erupted is Moragahakanda area. Complaints are that gem mining is done on large scale with the use of machinery which has prompted the Government to caution the police on such activities.
People at times are so ruthless as to dig for gems even on fertile land used for agriculture. Timely intervention on this behalf is most appropriate.
Let not geming put us in darkness.
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