Anti-mining protest in Colombo

[TamilNet, Thursday, 30 March 2000, 20:11 GMT]
Several hundred people picketed out side the Fort railway station in Colombo today, protesting against leasing of phosphate mines at Eppawela, in the north-central province, to foreign companies.

The government has leased the mines to a US-Japanese firm. The protestors said it will lead to exploitation of island's resources and pollution due to mining.

Traffic in the Fort area was disrupted due to the picketing which began around 12 noon and went on till 4 p.m.

Minister of Scientific Affairs and Industries, Batty Weerakoon also participated in the picketing.