Sri Lanka, March 16 -- A 36-year-old individual died today (16) after a soil mound collapsed at an unauthorised gem mine near the Kalu Ganga in the Wagawatta area of Horana.

Horana Headquarters Police state that the victim is Kathriarachchige Sashika Asiri, a 36-year-old married man.

Police investigations reveal the individual worked with several others during the early hours of the morning to dig the mine near the river.

Reports indicate he sustained critical injuries when a section of soil fell into the pit.

Although he was rushed to the Horana District General Hospital in critical condition, hospital sources confirmed he was already dead upon arrival.

Initial inquiries suggest the individual engaged in illegal gem mining for some ...