by Ananda Kannangara
The National Gem and Jewellery Authority (NGJA) bans the use of backhoe and sucker machines in gem mining at Kuruwita in the Ratnapura District due to the heavy damage caused to large number of houses and agricultural lands in the area.
The NGJA took this decision following the instructions of the Minister of Public Administration W.D.J. Seneviratne. Minister said the use of backhoe and suckers machines in gem mining has already damaged 34 houses in the Paradise land and a large extent of valuable agricultural lands. He cautioned that if this situation continues further more houses will be damaged due to the blocking of water ways and causing earth slips during heavy rains.