The largest gem mine that has been found at Thammannawa area on Katharagama – Lunugamvhera Road is being plundered by henchmen of Rajapaksas at present say reports. The plunder is being carried out by the henchmen of the Chief Minister of Uva and Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa negating the legal process of the National Gem and Jewellery Authority and making the area a ‘High Security Zone’ of the Army.
13 tippers full of soil from the mine have been taken to the tank at ‘Ranminitenna Tele-cinema village’ to mine for gems. The area around the tank too has been made a prohibited area for officials of the National Gem and Jewellery Authority.
The mine has gems concentrated in a very small area. According to villagers “a shopping bag of soil in the mine would contain at least Rs.8000 worth of gems.” After mining for gems the soil is again taken to the mine and the ground is prepared for an auction to be held on the 28th. However, villagers say there wouldn’t be any gems left once the Rajapaksa’s have completed their plunder.
LT
13 tippers full of soil from the mine have been taken to the tank at ‘Ranminitenna Tele-cinema village’ to mine for gems. The area around the tank too has been made a prohibited area for officials of the National Gem and Jewellery Authority.
The mine has gems concentrated in a very small area. According to villagers “a shopping bag of soil in the mine would contain at least Rs.8000 worth of gems.” After mining for gems the soil is again taken to the mine and the ground is prepared for an auction to be held on the 28th. However, villagers say there wouldn’t be any gems left once the Rajapaksa’s have completed their plunder.
LT