Rock Quarries in Dodamgoda a risk to residents and environment

Twelve  rock quarries  in the Manilla Gama area are causing environmental damage in Dodamgoda, Kalutara, says the Centre for Environment and Nature Studies (CENS), in a complaint to the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL). The complaint to the HRCSL was made on Monday, February 24^th. Speaking to the media, CENS convenor Ravindra Kariyawasam stated that apart from the houses of residents in the area showing cracks, water sources too have been negatively impacted owing to quarry mining.   Authorities such as the Central Environmental Authority and the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau have turned a blind eye to the complaints made by residents, he alleged.  He added that many of the 145 houses show cracks owing to the mining, but up to date, the occupants have not been compensated.  As well, the Thudugala Ella waterfall too, is at risk. Residents have complained to the relevant authorities for many years, yet there has been no action taken, he said, adding, that the decision to complain to the HRCSL was due to this.