By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya

The Ministry of Defence yesterday denied reports on social media and some media outlets regarding alleged mining in the seas off the coast of Batticaloa by a ship anchored there.

In a recent Tweet, Batticaloa District MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam questioned authorities regarding a ship that had anchored off the coast of Batticaloa.

The Tweet said that sand is being dredged from the sea and that another ship is transporting sand according to local fishermen. “Government officials were turned away by uniformed men with weapons,” he alleged.
The Defence Ministry said in a statement that the barge had been anchored a few days ago due to facing an emergency following a fuel shortage during the ship’s expedition from UAE to Bangladesh.
The barge has been scheduled to set sail to its destination after refuelling from the local shipping agent, Victory Agencies in Trincomalee.

Therefore, the public is advised not to be misled by such false information, the ministry said.

• The barge had been anchored a few days ago due to facing an emergency following a fuel shortage during the ship’s expedition from UAE to Bangladesh