Cabinet nod to asses gem deposits in Sri Lanka

Thursday, 24 November 2016 00:24 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Starting from 2017, the Government is to assess Sri Lanka’s gem deposits and build a comprehensive database on precious stone deposits.

“It has been assessed that gem deposits are spread in around 70% of land in Sri Lanka but only 10% of them are used in mining activities,” Cabinet Spokesman Dr. Rajitha Senartne said yesterday.

The proposal was made by President Maithripala Sirisena, in his capacity as the Minister of Mahaweli Development and Environment, to implement the project to explore and assess gem deposits in Sri Lanka between 2017 and 2021.

The assessment was planned with a view of introducing a comprehensive database with illustrations on gem deposits, introducing proper methods for gem mining, and preparing guidelines for a sustainable gem mining industry, and was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers. (UJ)