• The monitoring centres at Mahakadadarawa, Pallekele, Hakmana and Buddhangala in Ampara signal an earthquake in any part of the world

By Shane Seneviratne 

Geological Survey and Mines Bureau has decided to establish an earthquake monitoring centre for the western region with the help of China in addition to those at Mahakadadarawa, Pallekele, Hakmana, and Buddhangala in Ampara, an official said. 

Chairman of the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau Anura Walpola told the media in Kandy on Sunday that Sri Lanka was a country rich in mineral resources and that the gigantic reservoirs including Victoria, Rantembe and Randenigala were founded on mineral deposits. He said that special attention should be paid on earthquakes or earth tremors in these areas.  

“We appointed a committee to look into the earth tremors in these areas. The committee considered the possibility of human activities or an underground pressure causing tremors. The 100-metre limit is strictly adhered to the excavations near the reservoirs. The monitoring centres at Mahakadadarawa, Pallekele, Hakmana and Buddhangala in Ampara signal an earthquake in any part of the world. The recent earthquake had occurred about 342 kilometres away from Batticaloa. The people were frightened, but we dispelled their fears,” he said 

• The recent earthquake had occurred about 342 kilometres away from Batticaloa. The people were frightened, but we dispelled their fears