President addresses gem industry problems
The representatives of Sri Lanka’s gem industry Wednesday met with President Maithripala Sirisena at the Presidential Secretariat to discuss the problems they face in their work and seek redress.
The President held a lengthy discussion with the gem miners and gem businessmen who presented the various difficulties they have encountered during the course of their work at the gem mines.
The representatives made statements to the President about the inconvenience caused due to the inspection of the licensed mines and arrests of mine workers by unauthorized personnel not belonging the National Gem and Jewellery Authority.
The President the relevant authorities to conduct inspections on mines only with the authorized personnel of the National Gem & Jewellery Authority.
The President instructed the officials to carry out such inspections in a manner that would not impede the activities of those who are engaged in the mining activities legally.
The mining industry representatives pointed out the problems arising due to the law that mining can be only carried out between 6.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. They said the water draining of the mines should be done around 2.00 a.m. and the mine needs to be serviced and maintained day and night to prevent the collapse of mines.