Gem mining in the Bogawantalawa area has affected the eco-system and created a milieu in which estate women are raped by some involved in gem mining. Measures should be taken to avoid environmental destruction and women molestation, said Ambagamuwa Pradeshiya Sabha Member S.Suresh Kumar (NUW).

He was speaking at the monthly meeting of the Ambagamuwa PS at its auditorium at Ginigathena with its Vice Chairman W.G. Rukshan Prdeep Ranasinghe in the chair recently.

Member Kumar said that a few estate houses had been destroyed by torrential rains experienced in the area several months ago and the affected families are still living in huts. Steps should be taken to look into their grievances and help them to reconstruct their houses, he said. Vice Chairman Ranasinghe said steps will be taken to open a children's park constructed with the funds provided by Livestock and Rural Community Development Minister Arumugam Thondaman.

Originally posted here:

Gem mining damages eco-system