(COLOMBO, LANKAPUVATH) –President Maithripala Sirisena held a discussion with the industrialists and businessmen in the Gem and Jewelry sector at the President’s office on Thursday on the issues that is affecting the industry.
During the discussion, the President was apprised of the issues faced by the industrialists and businessmen in their industry, especially the direct effects of the 15% tax imposed on gold imports on the jewellery industry.
Several proposals of National Gem and Jewelry Authority were also presented to the President.
The discussion also focused on problems of approvals from Government Institutions and delays in issue of mining licenses. Problems in freeing lands for gem mining were also discussed at length.
The President advised the relevant officials to provide solutions for the problems that can be solved immediately and to hold a meeting to discuss on the other issues on the 12th with the participation of all stakeholders.
Minister Daya Gamage, Member of Parliament A. A. Wijeytunga, Secretary for the Mahaweli Development & environment Anura Dissanayake, and the President of Gem and Jewelry Authority Peshala Jayarathna, and other officials were present.
