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10th Parliament· 154 sittings on record · 30,475 speeches · latest 10 June 2026

Sitting of Tuesday, 4 March 2025

10th Parliament· 14 debates· 246 speeches· 90 speakers

Source: Hansard PDF (parliament.lk) ↗ ·No. 1742359468086980 ·English daily/uncorrected Hansard

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Order of business

Speeches load per item. Summaries shown here are AI-generated and labelled; verbatim text is on each speech page.

  5. 5 Oral question Oral Question 3: Gemstone mining licences in Wellawaya (Q.489/2025) 6 speeches
    • The Hon. (Mrs.) M.A.C.S. Chathuri Gangani JJB

      AI summary Hon. M.A.C.S. Chathuri Gangani raised Question No. 489/2025 regarding licences issued for gemstone mining in the Wellawaya Divisional Secretariat Division. The question sought official information on the issuance of such licences, likely including their number, locations, and regulatory oversight within the relevant area.

      Environment Full speech →
    • The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB

      AI summary On behalf of the Minister, the Deputy Minister stated that the National Gem and Jewellery Authority issued 7,897 gem mining licences in 2024, with 101 valid ordinary licences and 6 mechanized excavation permits in the Wellawaya DS Division as at 11 January 2025. He clarified that a Central Environmental Authority recommendation is not a statutory requirement under the National Gem and Jewellery Authority Act, No. 50 of 1993, though environmental reports may be obtained where concerns arise, identifying a gap in CEA oversight for environmentally sensitive areas. He noted that licences include environmental and operational conditions, with powers to suspend or cancel licences, police assistance against illegal activity, and confiscation of items used in offences, while acknowledging that enforcement has been weak and requires strengthening.

      EnvironmentLaw & Order Full speech →
    • The Hon. (Mrs.) M.A.C.S. Chathuri Gangani JJB

      AI summary The Member raised concerns that NGJA-issued gem mining licences in Wellawaya are allegedly being used for large-scale sand trafficking in violation of licence conditions. She questioned why licences were not cancelled and asked for clarification on the NGJA’s use of a “settlement fee” mechanism that permits continued operations.

      Corruption & Governance ReformEnvironment Full speech →
    • The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB

      AI summary The Deputy Minister explained that Circular 121/8 provides for fines ranging from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 333,333 for breaches, but that settlements may be permitted after violations under stricter monitoring and conditions. He stated that regulatory gaps would be addressed and that licences may be temporarily reissued subject to conditions in such cases.

      Corruption & Governance Reform Full speech →
    • The Hon. (Mrs.) M.A.C.S. Chathuri Gangani JJB

      AI summary Hon. (Mrs.) M.A.C.S. Chathuri Gangani raised concerns that soil and gravel removed during mining are being transported without GSMB permits, contributing to large-scale gravel and sand trafficking and causing damage to riverbanks, bridges, and the environment, particularly along Kirindi Oya in Wellawaya. She asked whether the National Gem and Jewellery Authority would issue licences only after clearances from the Central Environmental Authority and the Road Development Authority, and what action would be taken to address the resulting public hardship and unrepaired damage.

      Law & OrderEnvironmentInfrastructure Full speech →
    • The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development JJB

      AI summary Discussions are underway to coordinate relevant institutions through District Coordinating Committees, with special committees for the gem and mining sectors bringing together the CEA, GSMB and NGJA for joint responses, including the possibility of establishing such a committee in the relevant district. A dedicated NGJA unit is also being set up to process complaints, with resource requests submitted. The Deputy Minister stated that unauthorized sand stockpiling and transport are illegal and cited the fines under Circular 121/85, emphasizing the Ministry’s objective of strengthening local enforcement against violators.

      Law & OrderInfrastructure Full speech →