Sri Lanka, March 21 -- Six individuals who were mining gems in the Keselgamuwa Oya which flows into the Castlereagh Reservoir were taken into custody today by the Police.

Police said it was a group of residents of Ratnapura who had been engaged in gem mining.

Environmentalists pointed out previously on several occasions that due to gem mines in the Keselgamuwa Oya the environment on either side of the river has been severely damaged.

It is based on this that Police have carried out continuous raids.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Hiru News....