The Hon. Hesha Withanage

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, my question is to the Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development.

¶ 02 The gem industry, a major contributor to the national economy, faces many issues. I draw attention to:

¶ 03 1. Have facilities previously provided to traditional miners in Ratnapura District been withdrawn by the present Government?

¶ 04 2. Are large-scale miners and political interference making it impossible for traditional miners to continue their livelihoods?

¶ 05 3. Will the Government remove obstacles faced by traditional miners, and what are the plans?

¶ 06 Further, at present the Police used to act under the National Gem and Jewellery Authority Act, where Magistrates could impose moderate fines, like Rs. 10,000–15,000. Now, under instructions, Police are charging under the Mines and Minerals Act, where minimum fines are Rs. 50,000, and in some cases suspended imprisonment. This is distressing. The gem industry generates major export income; many in Ratnapura live around it. While we must uphold the law, the Government must find relief for ordinary people who wade into rivers with baskets to eke out a living. Also, if we can certify even low-value stones to an international standard like GIA, smuggling would reduce and national income would rise.