Saturday Feb 21, 2026
Saturday Feb 21, 2026
Wednesday, 11 February 2026 00:05 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The Cabinet of Ministers at their meeting on Monday approved the implementation of the National Mineral Policy 2026, a revised framework aimed at strengthening the sustainable management and development of the country’s mineral resources.
Originally formulated in 1999, the policy was updated in 2023 to address emerging challenges and opportunities in the mining sector.
According to the revised version, key focus areas in the include; the development of an updated mineral resource database, promotion of value addition for mineral exports, encouragement of mineral-based industries, sustainable environmental management and resolution of land ownership issues arising during mineral extraction.
The updated strategy also aligns with the Government’s policy statement ‘A thriving nation - A beautiful life” on sustainable resource use manifesto.
The proposal to this effect submitted by the Industries and Enterprise Development Minister Sunil Handunneththi was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers.
