The Minister of Environment has instructed the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau (GSMB) to submit a report on the illegal filling of lagoons in the Eastern Province using soil from tanks.
Environment Minister Mahinda Amaraweera has instructed the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau to submit an immediate report on the illegal filling of lagoons by certain groups in the Eastern Province using soil from tanks.
The Minister said that the reclamation of lagoons in the Eastern Province, especially in the Batticaloa District, is being carried out with the involvement of certain local politicians and that he has received reports that the reclamation of lagoons is taking place in the Batticaloa area.
The Minister also instructed that the Regional Offices of the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau should not be functioning properly due to the COVID-19 epidemic and that a minimum number of officers should be deployed immediately.
The Minister is scheduled to hold a special discussion on environmental issues in the Eastern Province today using zoom technology.
