A discussion to examine the measures to regulate the supply of sand and the mining and distribution of limestone in the Northern Province was held today, Tuesday (08.07.2025), at the Governor’s Secretariat, under the chairmanship of the Honorable Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan.
The Governor noted that sand is being procured at high prices for government housing projects and development works carried out by government departments, and emphasized the need for an immediate decision without further delay
Accordingly, it was decided that sand could be washed from selected riverbeds and ponds in the Kilinochchi, Mannar, and Mullaitivu districts. The relevant locations are to be identified promptly, and a mechanism established under the responsibility of the local government councils to ensure the formation of a ‘Yat’ system, through which sand will be distributed at a fair price. It was also noted during the discussion that sand already washed from the Kalmadu Pond in the Kilinochchi District will be distributed through the Karaichchi Pradeshiya Sabha.
Meanwhile, contractors and district secretaries raised concerns about illegal sand mining, noting that some tipper vehicles belonging to the police are reportedly involved in such activities, making it difficult to enforce control. The Governor responded by stating that this issue could be mitigated by ensuring the availability of sand to the public in sufficient quantities at reasonable prices. He further instructed the district secretaries to hold discussions at the district level and to immediately establish a ‘Yad’ system through the respective Pradeshiya Sabhas to commence distribution.
‘A ‘Yad’ should be established at a designated distance from the sand excavation site, and the tipper trucks used for transportation should be equipped with GPS devices for real-time monitoring. Additionally, the number of days allocated for sand excavation should be clearly calculated and scheduled. This approach would allow for effective oversight and control of sand mining activities,’ stated M. Kabilan, Coordinator of the Jaffna District Coordination Committee. This proposal was accepted in principle by the Governor, District Secretaries, and Heads of relevant departments, including the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau. To facilitate implementation, the proposal has been submitted to the Cabinet through the Chairman of the Jaffna District Coordination Committee and Honorable Minister R. Chandrasekaran. It is expected to be approved and enforced as a Cabinet decision,” added Mr. Kabilan.
Similarly, Honorable Member of Parliament K. Ilankumaran highlighted that the police have failed to enforce existing circulars related to limestone excavation, despite their clear guidelines. He urged the Governor to issue strict instructions to the police on this matter. The Regional Mining Engineer of the Bureau of Mines emphasized that although limestone is often transported in small pieces, such activity requires a geological survey and official permission from the Bureau, which is frequently overlooked. In response, the Governor assured that he would summon the police, issue necessary directives, and ensure their strict implementation.
The discussion was attended by Honorable Member of Parliament K. Ilankumaran, Coordinator of the District Coordination Committee M. Kabilan, Secretary to the Governor of the Northern Province, Deputy Chief Secretary – Engineering, Director of the Northern Province Irrigation Department, District Secretaries of Jaffna, Mullaitivu, and Mannar, Director of Kilinochchi District Planning, Regional Engineer of the Bureau of Geological Survey and Mines, Director of the Northern Province Buildings Department, and representatives of the Contractors Association.
