Geological Survey and Mines Bureau (GSMB) Chairman Senarath Hewage yesterday denied allegations that he was involved in mining sand by obtaining a license to a company owned by him while being the head of the insititution that issues licence for such mining.
Hewage told a media briefing that he had resigned from the company which enjoyed the licence before he assumed the post of GSMB Chairman. " I left the company in January and then it surrenderd the dredging license shortly. I assumed duties on February 10, 2022. I had nothing to do with the company when I accepted the post. Nothing illegal has happened as per the scenario in this context," he said.
However he said there have been illegal mining of sand by others. He said around 4000 cubes of sand are being mined illegally in Kantale in a day. "There is political patronage for these illegal mining of sand," he said.
"There is an invisible hand which tries to destabilize GMSB which I am trying to weed out and make it an institution which contributes to the gross national production of the country. We canceled 62 mining licences since I took over as no industrial activity has been carried out by these companies which have the licences. This is why they try to attack me and prevent my efforts," he said.
Also he said he was not aware that GSMB Director General has been served with a charge sheet.
Further Hewage said he would file legal action against those who have made allegations against him, including a Buddhist monk.
Daily Mirror