Deputy Minister Arun Hemachandra says authorities have successfully stopped an illegal soil excavation attempt in the Muthu Nagar area, in Trincomalee.
The Minister said he personally inspected the sites, where lands had been leased to solar companies, and directed officials to halt the excavation at an early stage, preventing large-scale environmental damage.
On his instructions, Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) security personnel were reminded to strictly enforce regulations and strengthen monitoring in the area.
The operation was carried out with the support of the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau (GSMB), Police, Agrarian Services Department, and the Divisional Secretary. Hemachandra said several individuals linked to the incident have already been penalized, while further investigations are ongoing. (Islandnews)
