The Geological Survey and Mines Bureau (GSMB) have identified two large clay deposits in the Yanoya and Ampara areas. Therefore, a team led by the Minister of Environment Mahinda Amaraweera visited the Yan Oya Clay Deposit recently (13) to inquire into the matter. Former Minister Tissa Karaliyadda, Chairman of the GSMB Mr. Anura Walpola and officials of the Ministry of Environment were also present on the occasion.

Before the end of 2021, the Ministry of Environment will be implementing a number of preliminary measures aimed at restricting the use of asbestos for government buildings. As a first step, it has been
decided to ban the use of asbestos in new pre-school buildings and school buildings. Therefore, action should be taken to increase roofing tile production as an alternative. The Ministry of Environment has taken steps to provide the required clay from the Yanoya and Ampara clay deposits to address the shortage of clay affecting the local tile industry.

Hundreds of tons of clay dumped during the construction of the Yan Oya have now been dumped in various places. Therefore, the Ministry of Environment has planned to establish a roofing tile manufacturing park in the vicinity of the Yan Oya, the Minister of Environment said.

Therefore, a programme will be prepared to manufacture all the roofing tiles required for the country in the future in the vicinity of the Yan Oya and Ampara clay deposits. .
The Minister also took steps to solve the clay problem faced by the villagers of Horowpothana Kurulugama, a village engaged in the traditional pottery industry. Accordingly, he instructed the police to provide them with suitable government land for cutting clay and to allow the transport of clay without any hindrance. The Minister also instructed to obtain firewood for clay burning under the supervision of the Grama Niladharis.

The Minister also stated that he will purchase a machine for grinding clay for people engaged in the Kurulugama pottery industry.