President leads discussion on plans to attract strong investors to mineral industry

A discussion on preparing plans to attract strong investors to Sri Lanka’s mineral industry was held at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (28), under the leadership of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

Progress in identifying lands suitable for the mineral industry and locating mineral deposits was reviewed. President Dissanayake emphasised the need to promptly identify the potential of the country’s mineral resources and take steps to attract strong investors to the sector.

Exploration progress in Kahatagaha and Eppawala, as well as measures to attract investors, was discussed in detail. Extensive discussions were held on providing the necessary facilities so that reports on mineral reserves and exploration issued by the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau are prepared in accordance with international standards and gain international recognition. Particular attention was also given to the possibility of assigning future mineral reserve exploration activities to external experts.

Officials from the Ministry of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development informed the meeting that a robust policy framework was being formulated to ensure that gem mining activities were carried out legally and systematically. Progress on measures taken to minimise fraud in gem exports was also reviewed. Construction progress of the Gem and Jewellery Centre, being established to develop the local gem industry and attract foreign investors, was also discussed.

The meeting was attended by Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr Anil Jayantha Fernando, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Dr Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the Ministry of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development J. M. T. Jayasundara, Chartered Geologist and Director General of the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau K. N. Bandara, Director of Mapping and Geo-information D. T. D. S. Wijesundara, Chairman of the National Gem and Jewellery Authority Dr S. P. Chaminda, Chairman of Kahatagaha Graphite Lanka Limited E. P. A. Hemalal, and other officials.