The government had initiated a programme to set up sand storage facilities in key areas with the aim of combating the illegal sand mafia in the country and to provide sand to the public at reasonable rates.
Deputy Mahaweli Development and Environment Minister Ajith Mannapperuma said the first programme in this regard commenced at Yakkala in Gampaha.
He was addressing a media briefing, yesterday.
Consumers could purchase a cube of sand which is sold in the black market at Rs.16,500 for Rs.13,500 at the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau's Regional Office in Yakkala, Gampaha.