A tense situation was reported in Galaha after residents obstructed officials from the National Gem and Jewellery Authority from taking samples of a rock suspected to be a gemstone that was discovered near a Hindu temple in the area following landslides triggered by Cyclone Ditwah.
The rock of various colours was found near the Sri Muthu Mari Amman Kovil in the lower Gallantanna area of Delthotawatta, Galaha, after a resident alerted authorities upon noticing it following the landslide caused by the disaster.
Officials from the National Gem and Jewellery Authority, who had arrived at the location and taken three pieces of the rock as samples, were surrounded by the area residents, questioning their motive.
The officers explained the analysis process and thereafter sealed the sample rock pieces in the presence of a few area residents and the Police, to be taken for the relevant examinations. (Newswire)