All sand mining permits in the Mannar District have been temporarily suspended following concerns over the permit issuance process.

The decision was taken after a special discussion held at the Mannar District Secretariat on preventing illegal sand rackets and regulating sand prices.

Deputy Minister Upali Samarasinghe noted that future permits will be issued under a new legal framework.

Officials also discussed proposals to regulate sand prices for low-income housing projects and government construction work.