The Geological Survey and Mines Bureau (GSMB) has launched a re-assessment of 262 quarries operating in areas prone to landslides, following widespread damage caused by Cyclone “Ditwah.”
Director General Mrs. Deepani Weerakoon said the review targets quarries in high-risk zones, with immediate suspension of mining licenses for those deemed unsafe. Two quarries in Matale have already had their operations halted due to landslide impacts.
Of the quarries under review, 127 are located across Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, and Matale, while 135 operate in Kegalle and Ratnapura. The Bureau plans to implement stricter procedures for issuing future mining permits, making compliance with National Building Research Organization (NBRO) recommendations mandatory.
Experts from both the NBRO and GSMB will participate in the re-survey, ensuring scientific evaluation guides future mining activities. Mrs. Weerakoon emphasized that the move aims to safeguard public safety and mitigate the risks of further landslide-related disasters in vulnerable mining areas.
