This case was filed on 23.12.2022 by the Centre For Environmental Justice (CEJ) against heavy sand mining in the Grama Niladhari Divisions of Suduwella, Mugunuwatawana, Mallawagara, Pothuwila, Henepola, Uraliyagara, Sembukattiya, Erunwila and Galmaruwa within the Divisional Secretariat Division of Madampe in Puttalam District, Geological Survey and Mines Bureau and its Chairman, Central Environmental Authority and its Director General, Inspector General of Police, Director General of Northwestern Environmental Authority, Medical Officer of Health – Madampe, Water Resources Board and Hon. Attorney Generals were named as respondents in this case. A Vast number of mining sites are in operation in the said areas and the entire area has been extensively deteriorated due to the mining activities conducted by various parties. Although the Mines and Minerals Act No. 33 of 1992 requires all mines to obtain a license to function there are many instances where mining is carried out without valid licenses or violating the conditions of the permits already issued. Parties who have obtained mining licenses are acting in violation of the said licenses by mining in excess of the area and depth in respect of which the licensee is authorized to mine.

The mentioned areas have been heavily exploited by sand miners and continue to be heavily vulnerable to such activities. These areas are rich in Silica sand, industrial sand and other types of sands and fall within the Coconut Triangle Zone of the island and contribute immensely to the economy of Sri Lanka through the earnings gained from the exporting of coconut and related products. Agriculture is the most dominant source of livelihood of the local communities in these areas.

On 17. 01.2023, Court directed the Petitioners to re-issue the notices on all the Respondents except the AG. Mr.R.Dabare (AAL) instructed by Ms. Nilmal Wickramasinghe (AAL) appeared for the petitioners. Mr. Susantha Balapatabendi (DSG) appeared for the Attorney General representing State Respondents. This matter was taken up again in the court on 24.03.2023 and The Court directed the Respondent to File objections within six weeks of time and Petitioner to file two weeks of time from the date of filing objections. Furthermore, this case is fixed to be mentioned on 13.03.2024