4. PRODUCTION OF MARINE NON-LIVING COMMODITIES
Table 4.1 Production of Seashells
Quantity
(mt)
Value (SLR
mn)
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004*
5,875
11,834
2,979
4,189
1,550
1,730
1,124
10.3
23.7
5.9
6.3
3.1
6.23
3.93
Source: Geological Survey and Mines Bureau (GSBM)
Extensive deposits of seashells occur at Hungama – Hambanthota District. The quantity extracted
has increased by 12 percent in 2003 than in 2002 but has declined by 35 percent in 2004 than in
2003. Rapid exhaustion of shell deposits has resulted in a drastic decline in the extraction over the
past three years. The unit price has increased over the years; and the price in 2003 was 80 percent
above the 2002 price. However it has slightly declined in 2004. Seashells are locally used as an
ingredient for mixing of poultry feed and in the production of lime for construction building
purposes.
Table 4.2 Production of Inland Coral
Quantity
(mt)
Value (SLR
mn)
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004*
5,938
4,332
5,263
1,349
3,156
1,638
2,396
14.8
15.2
15.8
2.69
6.31
4.91
7.19
Source: Geological Survey and Mines Bureau (GSBM)
Inland coral mining is conducted presently at few places such as Ambalangoda and Hikkaduwa in
the Galle District and in some areas in the Matara District. These deposits occur along the coastal
plain as patches and lenses. The quantity exploited has decreased by 48 percent in 2003 and
thereby sales decreased by 22 percent in 2003 than in 2002 due to rapid exhaustion of deposits
and restrictions in issuing permits for mining. However, the quantity exploited in 2004 has
increased by 46 percent than 2003 due to excavation of new deposits. The mining of seashells,
coral or any other commodity is banned within the Coastal Zone.