No “Maithri” for foreign companies in gem mining industry

 President Maithripala Sirisena on Saturday said he will not allow foreign companies to enter the gem mining industry in the country as the industry is facing considerable domestic as well as international challenges with growing regional competition in gem and jewellery trading.

“During the time I was the Common Candidate for the Presidential Election, the people requested me not to let foreign companies mine gems into Sri Lanka. After I was elected as the President, I took every action to stop such mining by foreign companies as soon as I got to know about those,” he said.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the National Gem and Jewellery Exhibition, at the BMICH the President pointed out that it is essential to provide the mechanical and technical knowledge to those who are engaged in the gem industry, for its growth.

“The government will provide every facility in this regard,” the President said.

The President further said that when he gifted a gem to the British Queen, she told him that she was wearing jewellery made with gems from Sri Lanka.

“That shows the interest by foreign countries for Sri Lankan gems,” the President said.

Sri Lanka is home to 70 of the world’s 200 varieties of gem stones, including its best-known export, the Ceylon sapphire. Estimates suggest that 80-90 percent of the country’s rock formations could hold gem deposits.

He said while demand for the Sri Lankan tea and rubber has decreased in the international market, the demand for Sri Lanka’s gems is increasing. The President pointed out that the gem industry makes a special contribution to the increase in foreign earnings.

However, according to Central Bank income from Sri Lanka’s exports of gems, diamonds and jewellery declined this year by over 19 % earning US$ 243 million.

At the ceremony, President Sirisena presented an award to Dayananda Dillimuni of the Gemologists Association for his contribution for the development of the gem industry as well as certificates to six students who had followed the Diploma Course by the Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Association.

Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Association, Chairman, K. L. D. Daya Sagara presented a gift to President Sirisena at the occasion.

Mahaweli Development and Environment Secretary Udaya R. Senevirathne, Additional Secretary R. A. R. R. Rupasinghe, Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Authority Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Asanka Sanjeewa Welagedara, Gemologists’ Association of Sri Lanka Secretary Thilak Mendis and Exhibition 2015 Committee President Udaya Senarath Yapa also participated in this event.