Illegal gem trade from the Walawe River
Police recently uncovered a highly profitable but environmentally damaging operation that used heavy machinery. Local activists note that the activity had been reported in the past, but brushed aside because of heavy political protection.
Colombo (AsiaNews) – The Kahawatta police Special Task Force (STF) and the National Gem and Jewellery Authority (NGJA) recently carried out an operation in Ekata Gatuma im Nivithigala, Erabedda (Sabaragamuwa province), dismantling a large-scale illegal gem mining activity, carried out for several years by various groups using heavy machinery in the Walawe, a river famous for its precious gems.
Similar raids have been attempted in the past, but were thwarted due to political interference, NGIA officials say. However, even this time, doubts remain about the real effectiveness of the action.
The Walawe River Basin is the fourth largest in the country and rich in biodiversity. Almost all the rice fields in the area, however, are turning into gem mines.
Environmentalists argue that the river’s ecosystem may not last long as streams become muddy and those who live along the banks of the river can no longer use the water.
Mining activities are conducted by erecting makeshift dams. Some mines are licenced, but most operate illegally. In addition to gem, illegal miners also mine for sand to earn extra income.
The police operation led to the arrest of 20 people, who were later released on bail.
Three modern dredging machines were among the items seized during the raid, used to extract gems from the riverbed, seven air compressor systems and diving equipment, plus two boats loaded with barrels to support machinery in the water, three generators and three electric pumps.
“We complained to local authorities, yet, these complaints were futile as the racketeers operate the illegal activity with the assistance of top politicians,” said three local activists, Kapurubanda Piyasena, Jinasena Sathurusinghe e Menike Atapattu, speaking to AsiaNews.
“Even when a complaint is made regarding this scam, officials have adopted a clever strategy of delaying their investigations as long as possible to allow the racketeers to complete their illegal gem mining.”
“There were occasions in the past where the illegal activity was carried out while policemen and some employees of the Gem Corporation were present. After allowing the racketeers to remove the earth throughout the night, officials raided the location and imposed a Rs. 225,000 fine for using heavy machinery and digging the ground.”
The activists lament that, “paying a small fine for a consignment of gem rich earth worth millions of rupees is a blessing for these criminals as they can later earn billions.”
“According to the law, a person caught for mining gems inside a forest reserve cannot be fined by the Gem Corporation. Hence, by releasing the suspects and their plunder after imposing a fine does not come under the authority of the corporation,” report lawyers Malithi Ratnayaka and Nalinda Hewawitharana.
“As this procedure is contrary to the law, the officer in charge of the area in the Irrigations Department filed complaints with the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau and the police regarding the issue. Yet, due to political influence these operations were futile.”
Photo: Flickr/amanderson2
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16/02/2022 14:45
18/07/2022 11:55
