COLOMBO: Environment Minister Engineer Naseer Ahmed said at the Ministry of Environment Thursday evening on Aug, 25 that his officials were able to raid an illegal company that issued fake permits for sand transport and sand mining, losing the government around Rs 10 million rupees per month.
The Geological Survey and Mining Bureau and the Police Special Task Force jointly raided this institution, which issued fake licenses, which was run in Gokarella village of Kurunegala district Wdnesday August 24. Two tippers, two lorries and several persons were arrested during the raid.
About 500 fake licenses have been issued by this illegal organization every day. It was also revealed that a permit issued by the Bureau of Geological Survey and Mining at a charge of Rs.2000/- was issued by this institution for an amount of Rs.6000/-. Apart from this, forged official seals and documents belonging to other government agencies related to sand mining and sand transportation works were found in this agency.
The environment minister said that investigations have revealed that this institution has been running for about five years.
Environment Minister Engineer Naseer Ahmed also emphasized that he is working to prevent such illegal activities by conducting continuous raids.
Chairman of Geological Survey and Mining Bureau Dr. Senarath Hewage also participated in this press conference which was chaired by the Minister of Environment, Engineer Naseer Ahmed.
