Large Scale Illegal Gem Mining In Matale

by Janaka Wijegunatillake 

• Some people have also begun to excavate land in forest reserves in the area in search for gems
• Paying just Rs. 225,000 for a consignment of gem rich earth worth millions of rupees has become a blessing for these criminals
• This illegal gem mining that is being carried out with the help and blessings of politicos has a long history

During a recent visit to the area, the scale of the gem mining racket was clearly visible and the racket continues despite such activities being banned.

Almost all the paddy fields in the Raththota Kaluganga area have become gem mines. The environment has been severely damaged as a result of the gem mining activities, which has some political backing.

A politician in the area, Rohini Kumari Wijerathna, is said to be involved in the racket and has obtained clearance to operate the large scale gem mining.

Some people have also begun to excavate land in forest reserves in the area in search for gems, sources said. The damage to state land is being carried out with the support of a government institution. Even when a complaint is made regarding this scam, these officials have adopted a clever strategy of delaying their investigations as long as possible to allow the racketeers to complete their illegal gem mining. This was clearly seen in a recent raid carried out on January29 in Ellewela.

On the night of January 29, a group of racketeers had carried out illegal gem mining within the Ellewela Ela forest reserve by using heavy machinery, taking out a large portion of earth to be transported to another location.

According to residents in the area, the illegal activity had been carried out while two policemen and several employees of the Gem Corporation had been present on the spot. After allowing the racketeers to remove the earth throughout the night, officials had ‘raided’ the location and imposed a Rs. 225,000 fine on the use of the heavy machinery and for the excavation of earth. According to residents in the area, paying just Rs. 225,000 for a consignment of gem rich earth worth millions of rupees has become a blessing for these criminals.

According to sources, three individuals, identified as Nilan, Rohitha and Buru Manju, were accused of being involved in the racket. They are notorious for having the backing of government officials to excavate the earth.

At present the gems could only be found in these forest reserves and the lands that have been acquired to build roads. Hence these racketeers have adopted such shrewd ways to bypass the law, in order to carry out gem mining inside these forest reserves during night time.

According to an officer attached to the Laggala police station, an individual arrested on the charge of carrying out illegal gem mining could be produced before a court and be released after paying a fine of Rs. 10,000.

According to the law, a person who is 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. Since this procedure is contrary to the law, the officer in charge of the Laggala area in the Irrigations Department had filed complaints with the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau and the Laggala police regarding the matter under No. 0201341 and 7 CIB 209/236/31/01/2017 respectively.

This illegal gem mining that is being carried out with the help and blessings of politicos has a long history. When Wijerathna Banda, father of Member of Parliament of Matale district Rohini Kumari Wijerathna, represented the area, illegal gem mining had been carried out throughout the entire main road near the Kalu Ganga. The environmental damage which had commenced since then is being carried out non-stop expanding into all the areas in the region. They have commonly relied on the tactic of getting a trivial fine for a massive plunder with the help of government officials.

This has caused environmental damage of staggering proportions to the Laggala area. There is no doubt that the mineral resources on earth could be used to fulfill the necessities of the people.

But that should only be done according to the laws by minimizing the damage caused to the environment. If not, as the story of the golden swam ends, we all would also end up with absolutely nothing.

Source- 17/02/2017,The Sunday Leader/Sse more at – http://www.thesundayleader.lk/2017/02/12/large-scale-illegal-gem-mining-in-matale/

The flamingos are back but for how long?

On a tip-off from a friend, Palihawadana, head of the Responsible Trail, the eco-tourism arm of the Yala Adventure Resort left for Palatupana to find a flock of Greater Flamingos with a few juveniles among them. “Although Bundala is known to be a haven for flamingos, spotting them in Palatupana  in the vicinities of the Palatupana saltern and lagoon is a special occurrence, especially since they are not known to have frequented this area for a considerable period of time,” says Palihawardena.

A wader bird residing in mudflats (coastal wetlands which are formed when mud is deposited by tides or rivers) and shallow coastal lagoons with salt water, flamingos feed on small shrimps, seeds, blue-green algae and molluscs. Using its feet, the flamingo stirs up the mud and sucks water through its beak and filters out its ‘edibles’. A migratory bird to us, flamingos arrive here in the north towards the end of August and are south-bound around March-April.

“In our part of the world, only two species of the bird are found: the Greater Flamingo and the Lesser Flamingo. While the former is the largest species with a long curved neck, the latter is the smallest flamingo with a dark red beak,” he explains.

The flamingos who migrate here are believed to come from Rann of Kutch in Northern Pakistan, according to Emeritus Professor and advisor to the Minister for Sustainable Development and Wildlife, Sarath Kotagama. The evidence however is anecdotal, says Prof. Kotagama who adds that there is no “concrete evidence” beyond that. “They arrive by end of August and generally occupy the northern parts of the island. Sighting 2000 to 3000 birds was not uncommon until 1994. With the Lunugamwehera Augmentation Programme, the numbers started dwindling drastically and in certain years we haven’t had them at all,” points out the Prof. who notes that there was a dearth of data during the war although a few are reported to have been spotted in Jaffna during this time.

According to Prof. Kotagama only one instance of flamingo-breeding is recorded in Bundala around 1987/88 by Rex de Silva.

The movement of flamingos is determined by several factors, says Prof. Kotagama. What is known as Photoperiodic factor or ‘light time’ propels the birds to move and in the absence of it, they are left behind. “Those who don’t move out are known as stragglers and they are very often non-breeders,” says the ornithologist who also cites ‘social facilitation’ which fuels their movement. “When one flamingo takes off, the others follow, the reason why we see large flocks.”

Ajantha Palihawadana

Flamingos also need to accumulate a sound fat base during their stay here in order to make the journey back home. If they cannot pile up fat during the migratory season, flamingos tend to avoid certain locations. “This is what happened in Bundala especially with erratic weather patterns and the loss of habitats — the negative impact of the Lunugamwehera Augmentation Programme,” he says.  Bundala was declared a Ramsar site owing to its unique distribution of the lagoon systems including Malala and Udamalala but that  was drastically altered with the Lunugamwehera Augmentation Programme which resulted in the loss of ‘blackish salt water’ in the region.

“With monsoon rains, there was natural breaking of the lagoon mouth which brought salt water interior along with prawn larvae, a staple to the flamingo. However as a solution to flooding which affected cultivation in the area, a permanent outlet from Malala to the sea was put in place. The net result was that the lagoon mouth never opened and the Bundala complex including Udamalala and Malala turned completely into freshwater ponds,” said Prof. Kotagama who points out that this ‘mistake’ not only affected wildlife and other organisms dependent on salt water but also killed the lucrative prawn industry in the area.

What gives the flamingo its unique colour is its staple krill which thrives in salt water. “The high calcium in krill gives it colour and when this staple diet was absent in the area they would have probably considered it a waste to come there,” explains Prof. Kotagama.

Commenting on the recent spotting of flamingos in Palatupana, he says that the birds may be considering alternative feeding grounds as the lagoons in the area are very saline. “However, we should not forget that their real feeding ground is lost and since 1998 we have been lobbying for the reversal of the damage by considering the possibilities of diverting the Lunugamwehera drainage directly to the sea without having to pass through Malala and Udamalala. It is a very expensive exercise, there is no question about it. But we should not forget that the cost will be for the sake of the environment,” notes Prof. Kotagama.

Prof. Sarath Kotagama

Source-12/02/2017,The Sunday times,See more at – http://www.sundaytimes.lk/170212/plus/the-flamingos-are-back-but-for-how-long-227652.html

Kalido Beach in Kalutara is facing challenges due to natural erosion combined with growing number of visitors and pollution.

Kalido Beach in Kalutara, is te strip of beach that runs between Kalu Ganga and the Indian Ocean.  Although the area is a huge tourist attraction, it is known for its sensitive ecosystem facing challenges such as natural erosion combined with a rapidly growing number of visitors causing damage to the vegetation cover and threats due to pollution.

Biodiversity Sri Lanka visited the area together with the Department of Coast Conservation and Coastal Resources Management to determine possible areas of intervention to minimize adverse effects to this valuable ecosystem.

We were saddened to see irresponsible destruction to the thick cover of beach front Pandanus (Watakeiya) by local visitors. Indiscriminate dumping of garbage was seen everywhere. This ecosystem has acted as a barrier to the tsunami of 2004.

If the value of these rich natural resources are not understood by the communities that use them, we are bound to face more threats and undue challenges into the future.

Mission to rescue animals from drowning islands in Morgahakanda

A group of naval personnel was deployed to Moragahakanda on Wednesday (8th Feb.) to launch a mission to rescue the animals that are facing life threats due to the filling of water to the Moragahakanda reservoir.

President Maithripala Sirisena in accordance with a request made by the Minister of Sustainable Development and Wildlife Gamini Jayawickreme Perera has ordered to launch this mission.

The water filling of the Morgahakanda reservoir of the Moragahakanda – Kaluganga project commenced on 11th January 2017 and a land of 29 square kilometers is covered by the reservoir. With the new development, 11 islands out of 12 in this area were drowned destroying the habitats of many mammals and reptiles. Earlier, the Wildlife Conservation Department according to a request made by the Ministry of Mahaweli Development launched a mission to rescue such threatened animals. This mission carried out by the naval personnel will be the second phase of it.

Presently, about 3,000 animals in Moragahakanda reservoir area have been displaced due to the situation. Missions to rescue animals and releasing them to the forest reserves are being done by the Ministry of Sustainable Development and Wildlife, Wildlife Conservation Department, and Sri Lanka

Source-10/02/2017 /Ceylon Today ,See more at -http://www.ceylontoday.lk/article20170101CT20170331.php?id=3943

Don’t rip-off foreigners coming for Whale Watching – Fisheries Minister

Fisheries Minister Mahinda Amaraweera recently emphasized the owners of whale-watching boats that charge higher-fee from foreign tourists is unreasonable as they are not given any special privileges.

He said that foreign tourists visiting Sri Lanka shall not be swindled since it will harm the reputation of the country and the tourism industry. Minister requested that the boat fee charged from a foreigner shall be reduced to at least Rs 4,000.

Sea area around Mirissa and Kapparatota Fishery harbors are hugely inhabited by Whales and a large number of foreign tourists come for Whale watching. Such foreigners are transported by way of fishing vessels and a sum of Rs. 6,000 is charged from one person for a single trip. Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Mahinda Amaraweera said that he has received many complaints against this unreasonable charge.

Also, the Ministry has planned to initiate a Green Harbour center in Mirissa and Kapparatota harbors and an attractive multi-storey building will be established as a tourist center under an estimated cost of Rs 500 million. Sea food centers will also be established in this tourist center which will be operated by CFHC ensuring the comfort of foreign tourists.

Source-13/02/2017, Ceylon Today, See more at – http://www.ceylontoday.lk/article20170101CT20170331.php?id=3986

Alarm bells ring for popular reef fish

Gal malu, or rock fish, are generally popular in the country and these include varieties of grouper and parrot fish (girawa).

The National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA) initiated a study in January to asses status of ‘edible reef fish’ commonly known as ‘gal malu’. The study will take about a year, the Sunday Times learns.

“The size of fish caught is smaller on average. Fishermen now must use more fishing gear to catch a similar volume of fish they caught a decade ago. This alone indicates the depletion of edible ‘gal malu’ populations,” points out Dr Sisira Haputantri – the head of Marine Biology Division of NARA.

The killing of a human-sized humphead wrasse (cheilinus undulates) in Unawatuna by spearfishing two weeks ago helped intensity demands for a ban on spearfishing.

The Director General of the Department of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources, M C L Fernando, said a proposal to ban spearfishing is now being reviewed by the government’s law drafters.

Action has been also taken to ban the fishing of tomato grouper (cephalopholis sonnerati) – a beautiful coral fish known as ‘ran thambuva’ locally. Tomato grouper inhabits holes in the reef with cleaner shrimp and helps maintain the hiding places by fanning out sand. Scarlet shrimp and painted shrimp are high value items in the ornamental fish trade and without the groupers, the shrimp populations would die out.

Many other reef fish are threatened by overfishing and high consumption locally and overseas. The SundayTimes reported last week that the Sub-Aqua Club has appealed to the Minister of Fisheries to protect 15 large coral fish. Most of them are groupers and listed under threatened categories in the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List with the humphead wrasse being listed as ‘endangered’. However, the DG of the Fisheries Department is not convinced of the threat facing these fish and insists on a study to assess the situation.

But marine biologists and divers that the Sunday Times contacted say their encounters with large reef fish are becoming rarer, which itself is an indication of their vulnerability.

Meanwhile, news emerged this week that the Fisheries Minister Mahinda Amaraweera wants to ban the fishing of parrotfish.

When contacted, the minister also said that the fishing of parrotfish no smaller than 500 grams will not be allowed. But, the Sunday Times found out from the DG of Fisheries that there are no immediate plans to ban the fishing of parrotfish and that such a move would be based on the study on reef fish.

The parrotfish inhabits coral reefs and feed on algae growing on the reef. There are about 10 different species of parrotfish in Sri Lanka. Thankfully, locally there is not much demand for it as a food fish.

Unfortunately though, this beautiful fish is in high demand among Chinese. There are suspicions and fears that the appearance of parrotfish in local supermarkets is to cater to demand from increasing numbers of Chinese living and visiting Sri Lanka.

Arjan Rajasuriya Coordinator, Coastal & Marine Programme IUCN Sri Lanka emphasises that fish stocks of Sri Lanka need to be monitored regularly, especially to check whether demand has grown in recent years for species that had not been sought-after previously.

He also notes that reef fish are threatened due to pollution, invasive alien species, climate change, and illegal fishing methods such as dynamiting. Conservation is necessary before its too late, he said.

Source-05/02/2017,The Sundaytimes,see mor at-http://www.sundaytimes.lk/170205/news/alarm-bells-ring-for-popular-reef-fish-227272.html

Save Kirala Kele, a cry from environmentalists

In December, a Baillon’s Crake a rare migratory bird to Sri Lanka was spotted in Kirala kele In December,

Kirala Kele in Sinhala means ‘forest of kirala trees- or a ‘mangrove forest’. It covers an area of 1,800 ha with 310 ha of it being designated a wetland located at the exit of the Southern expressway in Godagama about three km from Matara town.

In December, a Baillon’s Crake a rare migratory bird to Sri Lanka was spotted in Kirala kele. The bird was seen in a particular area of the wetland, and bird watchers flocked to the wetland to see this rare bird. Subsequently more rare migratory birds such as the grey-headed lapwing, turtle dove, comb duck, marsh and even the greater spotted eagle were sighted in a small stretch of the wetland.

Kirala Kele earlier came under the purview of the Southern Development Authority. It was deemed a sanctuary in 2003 and declared as a conserved area under the ‘Sri Lanka – picturesque sites programme’ by a special gazette notification. Kirala kele is made up of different types of wetlands – marshland, mangrove areas, paddy lands, and irrigation canals – as well as numerous home gardens as it borders populated villages. Several encroachments are visible in many areas and concerned environmentalists have brought to attention the urgent need to protect it.

Ruhuna University’s Prof.Saman Chandana Ediriweera who has been researching the biodiversity of Kirala Kele for several years says, ” the area is an ideal wetland habitat for many organisms and can be considered as one of the most valuable conserved areas in the Matara District.” According to a study conducted by IUCN Sri Lanka, 83 plant species, 25 species of fish and 13 mammal species including the endemic Purple-faced Leaf Monkey inhabit Kirala Kele. The study recorded 103 bird species of which 48 were wetland birds and with the recent sighting of rare birds the number would be higher, Prof. Ediriweera said.

He warned that recent human activities within the premises of sanctuary would prove harmful to the ecosystem. He identifies garbage dumping, removal of vegetation, hunting, spread of invasive weeds as major threats to the wetland. Prof. Ediriweera says authorities should take immediate steps to curb these threats and save Kirala Kele wetland.

As Kirala Keleis a protected area, and now in the absence of a Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) field office in Matara,    it  comes under the purview of the field office at Kalamatiya.

Meanwhile Kalamatiya wildlife ranger Uthpala Adaranga said they regularly visit the sanctuary, but as private lands can exist inside a ‘sanctuary’, they are powerless to stop activities within the sanctuary that could be inimical to its ecosystem. In addition Kalamatiya is located about 50km away from Matara, posing a difficulty to monitor this protected area regularly. Environmentalists in Matara have highlighted the need for a DWC office in Matara so that quick action could be taken when the need arose.

In addition to being an important habitat in 2010 a plan was initiated to promote Kirala Kele as a tourist attraction with World Tourism Day celebrations being held in Kirala Kele. But the drive to promote it as a tourist destination didn’t last long.

http://www.sundaytimes.lk/170205/news/save-kirala-kele-a-cry-from-environmentalists-227215.html

Akaragama soil mining: Permit holder vows to appeal ban

Two permits issued for soil mining at the controversial soil excavation site in Akaragama, Divulapitiya has been cancelled, Acting Director General of Geological Surveys and Mines Bureau, D Sajjana De Silva said. But, he said the permit holders can appeal within 14 days from the date of cancellation and the final decision will be taken by the Secretary of the Ministry of Environment.

The controversy over the site developed after Deputy Minister Ranjan Ramanayake visited the location and raised the issue over the misuse of permits. He also contacted the Divisional Secretary of the area and reprimanded her for not taking action.
Later the members of the Sri Lanka Administrative Service Association protested over allegations that Ramanayake had threatened the officer.

Soon after, permits were suspended by the GSMB. Later, investigation reports revealed that the two permit owners had violated regulations, De Silva explained. One of the license holders, H. S. A. D. Thusitha Nayanapriya said he will file an appeal on Monday.

Source-12/02/2017,The Sunday Times, See more at -http://www.sundaytimes.lk/170212/news/akaragama-soil-mining-permit-holder-vows-to-appeal-ban-228172.html

Govt. will not stop providing elephants for Peraheras: PM

The government will not stop providing elephants for Peraheras , Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said today.

Speaking during the final day’s opening of the annual Nawam Perahera of the Hunupitiya Gangararama Temple last evening, the Premier said President Maithirpala Sirisena and other relevant parties have discussed and decided on steps that should be taken to resolve the issues.

“Anyway the government will not stop providing elephants to Peraheras and has decided on safeguarding species which is becoming extinct speedily. Elephants are becoming extinct with the deforestation and urbanization,” he said

“There are many other issues such as illegal buying and selling of elephants,” he added. Further he said the government intended to expand the Pinnawala Elephant orphanage. “The government will soon reveal more details about steps it intends taking in resolving issues pertaining to illegal rearing of elephants and providing animals for Peraheras”, the Prime Minister further said.

The Prime Minister lauded the Chief Incumbent of Gangaramaya Temple Ven. Galboda Gnanissara Thera for organizing the Perahera which he said is a daunting task given the situation in the society. “It is a difficult task to find traditional dancers and others for the Perahera but the Venerable Thera had used his skills to find everything that is needed for the event,” he said.

Venerable Kirinde Assaji Thera announced that the Chief Incumbent of Gangaramaya will soon launch a programme to bring down a variety of paddy that can be cultivated with minimum amount of water to face the ongoing drought. (Yohan Perera)

Source-10/02/2017,Dailymirror,See more at: http://www.dailymirror.lk/article/Govt-will-not-stop-providing-elephants-for-Peraheras-PM-123656.html#sthash.uSyzxaeY.dpuf