Illegal miners to be punished – Sirisena

Insists laws will be strictly followed

Outlines existing 

measures and promises international best practices

Invites opposition to 

tour lands released for resettlement in the North   

By Ashwin Hemmathagama – Our Lobby Correspondent

Promising stern action against deforestation, illegal sand mining, quarries, and gem mining President Maithripala Sirisena yesterday pledged to bring violators of environmental law to book regardless of their status.

Joining the Committee Stage Debate on the 13th Allotted Day of the Appropriation Bill 2016, the President charged the Rajapaksa regime of taking political decisions, which have affected the environment.

“I have already instructed the army, police and Government Agents to put a stop to deforestation. If it continues, the respective officers will be held responsible. Due to a political decision taken, the Ministry of Economic Development released land from 2 January 2013 till 23 January 2013 and on the 15 September 2014 to support the resettlement program. In Mannar 2,500 acres, Vavuni 325, Mulaithivu 445 acres, and Kilinochchi are included in this list. It seems that resettlement of Muslims and Tamils need to reconsidered and we are in search of alternative methods.”

 “I invite both Government and Opposition MPs to visit these areas and observe these measures. A team of my representatives will be with you. Regardless of their social status or the ethnicity we will punish those who are engaged in deforestation, illegal sand mining, quarries, and gem mining,” said President Sirisena.

Promising development for areas with less water resources for agriculture and livelihood, the President informed Parliament details of the Maduru-Oya Multipurpose Development program. “Feasibility studies are on for Maduru-Oya South Bank development. The direct beneficiaries will be the residents in Trincomalee, Baticaloa, and Amapara Districts. The Ministry will be including this in the three plan and expect your support,” he said.

According to President Sirisena foreign companies will no longer enjoy permits to engage in gem mining in Sri Lanka. “Both politicians and the people engaged in gem mining in Rathnapura district brought to my notice when I was the Common Candidate, to cancel permits issued to foreign companies. Four permits of such nature were cancelled after I took office. On the other hand, I had to dismiss the Chairman of the Gem Corporation for issuing two permits neglecting my instructions. As a policy we give priority to locals and will not issue permits to foreign mining companies even though we will continue to use their technological know-how,” he added.

Outlining the Government willingness to follow international treaties and agreements on environment protection, the President said: “The Government will continue to uphold the agreement to protect the ozone layer at the Vienna Convention. Even though some countries avoid entering into an agreement to protect the ozone layer, Sri Lanka will continue to protect the ozone layer. We as a Government feel it is important to work for the betterment of all living things. Bio diversity protection is a key area we are active.” “Use of polythene will be strictly monitored from January 2016. The respective gazette notification has already been published. Polythene does serious damage to our programs in solid waste management. By 2018 the use of asbestos roofing sheets will be stopped completely. We will enforce marine protection laws and coast conservation. Geological Survey and Mines Bureau and Gem Corporation will get streamlined from next year. State Timber Corporation will be partly responsible for forestation. Mahaweli Authority too will be streamlined, especially in the land allocation to farmers. I have appointed a committee to investigate the matters at Pulmudai Ilmenite factory, which followed corruption at large scale,” added President Sirisena.