![]() |
A group of researchers led by a retired Navy personnel to carry out mining activities were stopped by Vankalai villagers yesterday. |
Villagers of Vankalai, Mannar turned back a group of individuals who claimed to be conducting research on mining from the beach yesterday after it came to light that the group did not have proper approvals.
The group consisting of twenty people arrived at the Vankalai beach area to conduct the research claiming that they are attached to a university. When the villagers confronted them demanding relevant approvals, it came to light that they did not obtain any approvals or any documentation.
A retired Navy personnel was also among the group. The group told the villagers that the purpose of their visit was to identify the rare mineral composing on the sandy beaches of the village.
The agitated villagers along with the local priest requested the group not to carry out any research for mining and to leave the area.
Recently, the Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ), an environmental advocacy outfit alleged that ex-soldiers are being used by mining companies to intimidate villagers in order to secure access to the lands.
Addressing a press briefing in Mannar on January 29, Executive CEJ Hemantha Withanage said that they were informed by the locals that retired military personnel are recruited to work with both local and foreign mining companies on the island. (Northeastern Monitor/ February 5/2025)
Post a Comment