President Maithripala Sirisena has ordered the immediate interdiction of officials attached to the Geological Survey And Mines Bureau in Divulapitiya.

The President alleged that it was these officials that were to blame for the illegal sand mining in Divulapitiya, as highlighted by Deputy Minister Ranjan Ramanayake.

Social Empowerment Deputy Minister Ranjan Ramanayake in a public telephone call, questioned the Divulapitiya District Secretary for allowing illegal sand mining to take place in Divulapitiya.

The Social Empowerment Deputy Minister accused Joint Opposition MP Indika Anuruddha, his brother Thusitha and Wasantha Dangalla of bribing officials to conduct their illegal mining.