PARLIAMENT

Hon. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam,— To ask the Minister of Environment,— (2)

(a) Is he aware that —

(i) illegal mining of Ilmenite is being carried out in the Koralaipattu North, Vakarai Divisional Secretariat Division of the Batticaloa District; and

(ii) the said illegal mining may cause issues relating to the health and the livelihoods of the people living in the area and relating to drinking water in that area?

(b) If so, will he inform this House whether steps will be taken to prohibit the said illegal Ilmenite mining activities in that area?

(c) If not, why?