Web of Life

For the second time in ten months the Sitawaka river, off Avisawella, is in the grip of illicit gem miners.

Last time prospecting for gems in the river-bed illegally went on in a wide scale and lasted for months, despite frequent police raids. But now as the water level has risen considerably, following heavy rains upstream, the miners have turned their attention to the river banks.

Gem pits complete with wooden scaffoldings and props are in full operation along the right bank and is visible to passers-by on the Avissawela-Kegalle main road. They have already caused considerable damage to the river embankment.

On investigation by the Daily Mirror, Dehiowita P.S. Chairman Ananda Kularatne said the gem prospectors appeared to have taken advantage from a recent decision of the State Gems and Jewellery Authority to permit river gemming, hence the Sabha could not act on its own, but lodge its protest.

Vice Chairman Sextus Arsekularatne said "Under the 'Pavitra Ganga' concept of the previous government, a programme was launched to preserve the environment of both the Kelani and Sitawaka rivers. But the guide lines set by the programme have not been adhered to, since the general election. I hope that the present minister in-charge of Natural Resources and Environment acts immediately to avert further damage to the river.

Upon inquiries made at the Avissawella headquarters police by the Daily Mirror, a senior officer said up to now no one from the Dehiowita Divisional Secretariat or the Pradeshiya Sabha had complained to them about any gemming in the Sitawaka river.