A decision has been taken to fast-track the establishment of a new mechanism for the extraction and washing of sand from ponds in the Mullaitivu District, with distribution to be carried out through local government councils. Furthermore, a dedicated digital application will be developed to effectively manage and monitor sand distribution activities throughout the Northern Province.
The meeting was held yesterday – on Friday 10 April 2026, at the Mullaitivu District Secretariat under the chairmanship of A. Umamakeswaran, Mullaitivu District Secretary, with the special participation of N. Vethanayahan, Governor of the Northern Province, and S. Kabilan, Provincial Coordinator of the Clean Sri Lanka Task Force and representative of the Hon. Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources..
Speaking at the outset of the discussion, A. Umamakeswaran, Mullaitivu District Secretary, stated that illegal activities such as unauthorized sand and gravel mining, drug use, and illegal fishing are widespread in the Mullaitivu District. He emphasized that sand and gravel are being extracted in a highly damaging and unregulated manner.
He further noted that the individuals involved in these illicit operations, as well as certain officials who allegedly support them, are known. Permits issued to meet the local demand of Mullaitivu have reportedly been misused to transport sand to Jaffna for higher profits. According to him, a single tipper load of sand can generate an estimated profit of around Rs. 80,000. He stressed the urgent need to take effective measures to control and regulate these activities.
Continuing his remarks, N. Vethanayahan, Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, stated that the public is currently facing significant difficulties in obtaining sand. He emphasized that the government is firmly committed to regulating sand prices and ensuring a stable and transparent supply chain, and called for the full cooperation of all stakeholders. He further noted that all government institutions bear a collective social responsibility in this regard.
The Governor also pointed out that there are reports of certain officials allegedly acting in collaboration with sand mafias, stressing that such practices will not be tolerated under any circumstances. He urged those involved to rectify their conduct moving forward.
He further stated that decisions regarding permissible mining locations, extraction volumes, and all matters related to distribution and the issuance of permits will henceforth be handled by a district-level committee chaired by the District Secretary. Priority in the allocation of permits will be given to local government councils, and alternative arrangements will only be considered if such institutions are unable to carry out these responsibilities effectively.
Following extensive deliberations, several key decisions were reached. Priority will be given to local government institutions in the issuance of sand mining permits, while applications submitted by individuals will be referred to the district-level committee for consideration and decision-making. It was also decided that sand distribution to local government bodies will be carried out through truck owners’ associations or other duly registered organizations.
The Irrigation Department agreed to submit a report within one week identifying ponds suitable for the sand washing process. Following the submission of this report, it was decided to conduct field inspections with the relevant stakeholders and subsequently call for quotations for sand washing operations.
Speaking on the occasion, S. Kabilan, Provincial Coordinator of the Clean Sri Lanka Task Force, stated that the Task Force has agreed to develop a dedicated application to manage sand distribution activities in the Northern Province. He further noted that this initiative will enable all aspects of sand distribution to be brought under a streamlined and transparent monitoring mechanism in the future.
The discussion was attended by N. Vethanayahan, Governor of the Northern Province; A. Umamakeswaran, Mullaitivu District Secretary; S. Kabilan, Provincial Coordinator of the Clean Sri Lanka Task Force; as well as the Senior Superintendent of Police, Assistant Superintendent of Police, Special Task Force personnel, Chairmen and Secretaries of local government councils, engineers of the Irrigation Department, officials of the Forest Department, and several other government representatives.
