GEM MINING ACTIVITIES TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED

The mining activities of six gem pits have been temporarily suspended by the Gems and Jewellery Authority (GJA) since April 12 as the carpeted roads in Gorakaela, Gonapitiya, Kuruvita and Pathegama and surrounding areas have caved-in due to the digging of the gem pits.

The vehicle transportation has been abruptly stopped in the above areas where thousands of vehicles run daily. Although the small vehicles are plying on alternative routes, buses and heavy vehicles were unable to use these routes.

The GJA expects to repair

The road has sunk 10’ into 8’ and is expanding up to 50’ towards a neighbouring mine. Already the GJA had banned the operation of some mines due to the risk involved

the relevant roads immediately with the assistance of the Sabaragamu Provincial Road Development Authority (SPRDA). The GJA had said the money deposited by the mining owners are to be utilised for repairing of these roads. If the deposits are insufficient, money will be charged from all the miners who are involved in mining around the area.

The road has sunk 10’ into 8’ and is expanding up to 50’ towards a neighbouring mine. Already the GJA had banned the operation of some mines due to the risk involved. The GJA has expressed its suspicion that some mine owners have gone beyond their limits in spite of the areas reserved by the authority.

It is due to be inspected today by the Sabaragamu Provincial Road Development Minister Atula Kumara Rahubadda, SPRDA Engineers and Senior Officials of GJA.