It was decided to commence the distribution of the sand already collected in the Kilinochchi District to the public from next week, subject to the issuance of the necessary permits and to expedite the Request for Quotations (RFQ) process for soil washing and sand recovery work at several other locations, including Iranaimadukulam.
These decisions were taken during a special discussion held on Tuesday evening (18 August 2026), under the chairmanship of the Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan, to discuss the excavation and distribution of sand and gravel in the Kilinochchi District.
At the beginning of the discussion, Kilinochchi District Secretary S. Muralitharan stated that the meeting had been convened to review the proper distribution of sand, washed sand and gravel already collected in the Iranaimadu watershed areas.
He further pointed out that, as various government development projects, including housing projects, are expected to be completed by October, it is essential to ensure an uninterrupted supply of sand and gravel for construction purposes. He also highlighted the request submitted by the Kilinochchi District Truck Owners’ Association for permission to transport and distribute sand, as well as the need to establish a proper mechanism for the distribution of washed sand.
Speaking at the discussion, the Governor stated that various development and government programmes are being implemented across the Northern Province through both provincial and central government institutions. He noted that there are significant difficulties in obtaining the sand required for the implementation of these programmes.
The Governor said, “A situation has arisen where people are unable to obtain the sand they require with ease. The rising price of sand has placed a considerable burden on ordinary people. Over the past five months, we have been making various efforts to address this issue and establish a proper mechanism to ensure that people can obtain the sand they need at an affordable price.”
He noted that delays in the distribution of sand have caused anger, disappointment and frustration among the public, adding that there have been continued complaints that “meetings are being held, but the people are still not receiving the sand they need.”
At the same time, he pointed out that there are unnecessary delays in implementing clear instructions issued to government departments on numerous occasions. He questioned why processes are being prolonged when government institutions seek the necessary legal clearances, while also raising concerns as to whether the same departments are issuing clearances to individuals without delay.
“We have been holding continuous discussions and issuing firm instructions to meet the needs of the people. However, there have been delays in implementing those instructions. If permits are being issued to private parties without delay while government processes are being prolonged, this cannot be viewed merely as an administrative delay. Such actions may also create suspicion among the public that there is an attempt to undermine the reputation of the present government,” the Governor said.
Meanwhile, the Governor stated that the Ministry of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development has issued a new draft circular on the exploration and distribution of mineral resources. He further noted that the decision-making process concerning mineral resources through the District Committee, to be established under the chairmanship of the District Secretary, would be further strengthened.
During the discussion, preliminary consideration was given to the prompt distribution of the sand already accumulated in the Kanagarayan River area. The obstacles encountered in obtaining the necessary permits were discussed in detail, and it was decided to secure the required legal clearances and make arrangements to distribute the sand through the Kilinochchi District Truck Owners’ Association from next week.
In addition, measures for distributing the sand obtained through the dredging and washing of ponds were discussed in detail. The relevant departments were instructed to promptly issue the necessary letters to obtain the required permits, and emphasis was placed on completing the distribution of the washed sand by the end of next month.
The Governor raised concerns that the process of washing the soil from Kalmadukkulam had not yet commenced and directed that the work be initiated without delay. He also drew attention to the fact that soil-washing activities had not commenced in several ponds for which the necessary permissions had already been granted, and instructed the relevant authorities to take immediate steps to commence the work.
Furthermore, as several additional locations within the Iranamadu Tank have been identified as suitable for soil-washing activities, it was decided to expedite the process of calling for quotations for the work. It was also decided to expedite the calling of quotations for soil-washing activities at two other locations, in order to recover sand from the soil excavated during the cleaning of riverbeds and drainage channels.
Emphasizing that ensuring the smooth and uninterrupted distribution of sand to the public at a reasonable price is not the responsibility of any single company or a few officials, the Governor stated that every department involved in the process has a social responsibility towards the public. He further advised that the needs of the people should be given priority and that necessary action should be taken without delay, in accordance with the relevant legal procedures.
The discussion was attended by the District Secretary of Kilinochchi, District Coordinator of the Clean Sri Lanka Task Force, Coordinator of the District Coordination Committee Chairman, Chairmen of the Pradeshiya Sabhas, Director of Planning of the District Secretariat, Accountant, Northern Provincial Commissioner of Local Government, Assistant Commissioner of Local Government for Kilinochchi District, Divisional Secretaries, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), officials of the Central Environmental Authority, engineers of the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau, Secretaries of the Pradeshiya Sabhas, engineers of the Irrigation Department, contractors, representatives of the Truck Owners’ Association and several other stakeholders.
