President says stern laws against selling low quality gold jewellery in the future

The attention has been drawn to make compulsory the use of the standard certificate seal of the National Gem and Jewellery Authority for gold products, and to raid the jewellery markets which are selling jewellery without using that seal.

The attention in this regard was drawn during a meeting held under the patronage of President Maithripala Sirisena at the National Gem and Jewellery Authority last week.

As the Minister in charge, the President visited the National Gem and Jewellery Authority in Colpetty in Colombo recently and inquired into the activities of the Authority. Later, the President held a progress review meeting with the staff.

Since the sales of gold without quality is being traded, it was decided to make it mandatory to obtain the guarantee of the National Gem and Jewellery Authority.

The President emphasised the need to make the gold traders aware of the requirement of obtaining this guarantee certificate, and make the public vigilant about this certification while buying jewellery.

The President also instructed to make proper procedures to implement the rules and regulations. The present activities and future plans of the National Gem and Jewellery Authority were also discussed at this meeting.

Issues arising from issuing licenses for gem land and clearance of gold consignments at the Katunayake Bandaranaike International Airport were also discussed.

Ministry of Mahaweli Development and Environment Secretary Anura Disanayake, Gem and Jewellery Authority Chairman Reginald Cooray, Director General H.P. Sumanasekara and senior officials were also present on this discussion.