Sri Lankan military to set up more checkpoints as part of sand mining crackdown

Following a supposed lack of police resources, the Sri Lankan military has been called in to help control illegal sand mining in the Vadamarachchi and Thenmarachchi regions, despite their previous complicity in such activities. 
Following a supposed lack of police resources, the Sri Lankan military has been called in to help control illegal sand mining in the Vadamarachchi and Thenmarachchi regions, despite their previous complicity in such activities. 

File photograph.

Following a supposed lack of police resources, the Sri Lankan military has been called in to help control illegal sand mining in the Vadamarachchi and Thenmarachchi regions, despite their previous complicity in such activities. 

For years, locals have raised concerns over the environmental impact of continued unauthorised sand mining in these areas. During discussions, Sri Lankan police admitted they lacked sufficient vehicles to patrol and prevent the illegal activity. As a result, roadblocks and security checkpoints will reportedly be established with the support of the Sri Lankan military to curb the practice.

Illegal sand mining has been a persistent issue across the North-East, contributing to coastal erosion, depletion of water resources, and damage to agricultural land. However, beyond its environmental consequences, it has also become a source of friction between local communities and state security forces. Over the years, several confrontations have turned violent, raising questions over how the issue is being handled.

In June 2020, an unarmed Tamil man was shot and killed by the Sri Lankan army during what was described as a confrontation over sand mining. In April 2021, officers from the Special Task Force (STF) shot and injured two men in Vadamarachchi after they allegedly attempted to flee during an operation against illegal sand mining. The following month, STF personnel opened fire on four men in a vehicle in Kudathanai, Vadamarachchi East. While one suspect was arrested, the other three managed to escape.

Concerns have also been raised over state-backed paramilitary groups allegedly playing a role in sand mining operations, particularly in districts such as Mullaitivu. Tamil groups have raised concerns, alleging that state security forces have used the issue to expand surveillance and target local communities, while police have been accused of accepting bribes to shield those truly responsible.

Protesting against sand mining has proven dangerous for those who speak out. In 2010, Ketheeswaran Thevarajah, a Tamil youth documenting environmental damage caused by the EPDP’s sand mining operation in Vadamarachchi, was shot dead.

This decision to deploy the military to tackle illegal sand mining has drawn mixed reactions, given past instances where military involvement in civilian matters has increased tensions. Whether this intervention will prove effective or further deepen mistrust in the region remains to be seen.

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