The Geological Survey and Mines Bureau (GSMB) states that a permit is mandatory to transport the sand collected in farmlands and paddy fields due to the landslides and floods caused by the recent heavy rainfall.

Director General of the GSMB, Deepani Weerakoon, stated that while the government will charge a fee for the transport permit, a license for the excavation work itself is not required.

The permit fee collected from the transportation of this sand will be considered as State revenue, and the income will be directed to the Treasury.

While a license from the GSMB is usually issued for both normal sand excavation and transport, the excavation permit fee is waived in this instance.

The Director General of the GSMB further mentioned that the sand collected in tanks, reservoirs, and river basins will be made available under the supervision of the Department of Irrigation, following a tender procedure.