The Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, on behalf of the Minister:

¶ 02 (a) (i) In 2024, the National Gem and Jewellery Authority (NGJA) issued 7,897 gem mining licences.

¶ 03 (ii) Within Wellawaya DS Division, as at 11.01.2025, there are 101 valid ordinary gem mining licences and 6 mechanized excavation permits.

¶ 04 (iii) No. Under the National Gem and Jewellery Authority Act, No. 50 of 1993, obtaining a Central Environmental Authority (CEA) recommendation is not a statutory prerequisite for issuing a gem mining licence. However, where environmental concerns arise, an environmental report is obtained prior to licensing. In practice, licensing in environmentally sensitive areas is not subjected to CEA control or permits, which is an observed gap.

¶ 05 The NGJA issues licences under 16 general and 13 special conditions, including safeguards for environmental protection, water discharge, setbacks from roads, canals, streams, rivers and residences, worker deployment, and payment obligations after sale of gemstones. The Authority may suspend or cancel licences for violations.

¶ 06 (iv) (1) The licensing conditions include environmental protection measures, and violations lead to suspension or cancellation.

¶ 07 (2) The Sri Lanka Police has powers to control illegal acts in the gem industry and assists the NGJA accordingly.

¶ 08 (3) Under Section 49(1) of Act No. 50 of 1993, items used in committing offences may be confiscated.

¶ 09 Despite the legal framework, enforcement has been weak over time. The Ministry’s attention has been drawn to strengthen enforcement.

¶ 10 (b) Does not arise.