Has the Government Assessed the Environmental Impact of Mineral Sand Mining? Coalition Questions

14-Jun-2026

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The Climate and Economic Justice Coalition has questioned whether the Government has adequately assessed the environmental, social and economic consequences of proposed mineral sand mining operations along Sri Lanka’s coastline.

In a statement, the coalition expressed concern over reports suggesting that approximately 75 per cent of the country’s coastal areas have been opened to international mining interests.

The organisation argued that Sri Lanka’s coastal ecosystems serve as shared public resources that support fisheries, agriculture, tourism and biodiversity. It warned that large-scale mineral extraction could damage sensitive habitats, threaten endangered marine species, undermine coastal livelihoods and adversely affect groundwater resources.

The coalition further stated that certain sea turtle species travel thousands of miles to nest on Sri Lanka’s beaches and that such ecological assets contribute significantly to the country’s tourism appeal.

According to the statement, coastal mining could have long-term consequences requiring decades of restoration. The coalition claimed that rehabilitation costs would likely be borne by the public while private mining companies may not contribute meaningfully to restoration efforts.

The group also noted that the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce is scheduled to host a Mineral Sands Technology Conference on June 17 in collaboration with Mineral Technologies Australia.

The coalition questioned whether the Government had consulted the public regarding the suitability of such projects and whether it had assessed the potential impacts on livelihoods, wildlife habitats and foreign exchange earnings. It called for precautionary measures before irreversible environmental damage occurs.