Lid blown off lucrative mining business

by Jayampathy Jayasinghe

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A lucrative business involving mining of rose silicon in the mountainous region of Naula, Matale came to light when policemen from the Central Anti Vice Striking Force (CAVSF) swooped on the mining site last Monday and arrested 64 persons involved in mining. The suspects had been in possession of bogus permits issued by several state agencies.

The suspects were later produced before the Dambulla Magistrate and granted Rs. 50,000 bail each until investigations are completed. A businessman had been already involved in mining of Quartz and Feldspar silicon for export. OIC CAVSF Inspector, Duminda Balasooriya said illegal mining had been going on for four years with the connivance of state officials and wealthy businessmen in the area.

IGP Victor Perera referred the matter to DIG Staff D.A. Fonseka, when the Presidential Secretariat forwarded several petitions sent by people in the area on the damage caused to the environment. The raid was conducted under the supervision of CAVSF's Director, SSP Jayantha Perera.

Rose Silicon is a precious material sought by industrial countries to manufacture windshields for spacecraft, ceramic-ware and paints due to its properties to withstand extreme heat.

As this comes under the purview of the Geological Department, permission has to be obtained for mining purposes. Wealthy businessman had been involved in the illegal mining process in the Pelagamuwa state forest reserve. However, residents in the area were unable to take action against influential businessmen and corrupt state officials.