President updated on gem and jewellery industry

Advises officials to assist in resolving challenges, issues of 15% import tax discussed

Representatives of the gem and jewellery sector met with President Maithripala Sirisena yesterday to appraise him of the challenges faced by the industry and discuss several proposals by the Gem and Jewellery Authority.

President Sirisena met industry representatives at the President’s office where he was updated about the issues.

During the discussion, the issues arisen due to the 15% of import tax was discussed along with several proposals from the National Gem and Jewellery Authority, which were presented to the President, the President’s Office said in a statement.

 Attention was paid to the challenges faced when obtaining approvals from Government institutions and delays in issuing mining licenses. The President advised officials to provide solutions to problems that can be solved immediately and to hold a meeting to discuss other issues on 12 June with the participation of other parties.

Primary Industries Minister Daya Gamage, Member of Parliament A.A. Wijeytunga, Mahaweli Development and Environment Ministry Secretary Anura Dissanayake and Gem and Jewellery Authority Chairman Peshala Jayarathna, along with other officials, were present at the event.