Illegal soil excavation: President vows action

The Geological Surveys and Mines Bureau (GSMB) should be held responsible for the controversial  illegal soil excavation issue in Divulapitiya, President Maithripala Sirisena said on Sunday.

He made the observation while addressing the opening of the Haritha Sihinaya (Green Dream) educational and environmental exhibition held in Kurunegala.

The President said that the officials of GSMB which comes under the Ministry of Environment should be held responsible for the illegal soil excavation which has been carried out for nearly 20 years.

President Sirisena also vowed action against the government officials who approved the particular permits and allowed this crime to proceed.