Residents staged a protest march today in the Gankankulam area, which falls under the Vavuniya–Chettikulam Divisional Secretariat Division, demanding an immediate halt to gravel excavation.
Beginning their protest in Gankankulam, the demonstrators marched nearly three kilometres to the Chettikulam Divisional Secretariat, where they continued their agitation.
Addressing the gathering, the protesters stated that gravel excavation has reduced their village to pits and mounds, causing severe damage. They urged the authorities to immediately cease granting permits for gravel extraction against the will of the village community. They further called on officials not to impose repressive measures on people who raise their voices against the destruction of the environment and natural resources.
Participants in the protest carried placards bearing slogans such as “Do not destroy nature,” “Ban illegal gravel excavation,” and “Are our village resources meant only for exploitation?”, while raising chants in unison.
