The Ministry of Environment Thursday (14) decided to launch an insurance programme under GSMB Technical Services to provide relief to workers engaged in sand mining in the Mahaweli River.
Accordingly, in the event of the death of a sand mining worker, the amount of insurance currently proposed is Rs.550, 000. But, Environment Minister Mahinda Amaraweea instructed that steps be taken to increase it to Rs.one million. It was also proposed to provide Rs. 550,000 in case of temporary disability and Rs. 1,000,000 in case of permanent disability and infectious diseases including COVID-19.
Minister Amaraweera announced the programme at a meeting held with the participation of the Secretary to the Ministry of Environment Dr. Anil Jasinghe, GSMB Technical Services and Environment Ministry officials and the Manampitiya Weli Mankada owners and Tipper Drivers' Association.
Minister Amaraweera said that sand mining workers have to face a number of health hazards, such as, the peeling off of flesh on the hands and feet, spinal injuries, broken limbs and even crocodile attacks.
"When sand miners die, their families are left helpless. Taking these factors into consideration, it was decided to provide a number of relief measures to them," the Minister said.
These benefits are provided by an insurance scheme and the cost will be borne by GSMB Technical Services without any Government funding.
"Also, if a child of such a worker passes the Year 5 Scholarship, GCE Ordinary Level and Advanced Level examinations, he /she will be granted a scholarship of Rs. 5,000.
It has also been decided to construct two houses worth Rs. 1.5 million annually for long time employees of GSMB Technical Services.
In the event of the death of a relative of the workers, Rs.10,000 to Rs.15,000 will be paid for the funeral and Rs.2,000 worth dry food pack monthly and to start medical clinics for these workers twice a month.
Under the first phase, priority will be given to GSMB Technical Services workers engaged in sand mining in the Mahaweli River.
The Minister said that this was the first time that such an insurance scheme had been introduced for sand mining workers.
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