A national policy is to be formulated with the consensus of all stakeholders of Sri Lanka's gems and jewellery industry.
During the recently held meeting by the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Sustainable Development, chaired by MP Ajith Mannapperuma instructed the authorities to take the next steps to prepare a national policy with the consensus of all stakeholders of Sri Lanka's gems and jewellery.
The meeting was held in order to discuss issues faced by the gem and jewellery industry in Sri Lanka with the participation of representatives from gem and jewellery business associations and during the meeting a proposal related to a national policy prepared by a business association was presented to the committee.
The representatives also pointed out the facts about the difficulties in obtaining permits for gem mining. The committee emphasised that the process can be made efficient by issuing licences jointly to all relevant agencies and for the issuance of licences dedicate at least one day a week at the regional office of the Gems and Jewellery Authority.
Sajith Premadasa, the Leader of the Opposition, who participated in this meeting, stated that the problems in this sector could be classified under the following sectors: gem mining, gem cutting, polishing, and value adding, trade activities including import and export, trade promotion, etc. Premadasa further mentioned that a report should be prepared and brought to the attention of the Gem and Jewellery Authority, Ministry of Finance, and relevant institutions.
Meanwhile, the representatives of the aforesaid industry pointed out that due to the ban on the import of gold, the business community involved in the jewellery manufacturing industry, depending on the tourism sector, is currently suffering.
It was also revealed that these business communities who deal only in foreign currency bring a huge amount of foreign exchange to the country and proposed to use a part of that foreign exchange they earn and allow them to import gold for the business. It was also stated that due to the taxes imposed by the government on the industry, the businessmen are suffering.
Accordingly, the chairman of the committee said that the attention of the Ministry of Finance will be given to these matters immediately.
The decrease in the number of workers entering the gem and jewellery industry was also discussed. The MPs and the representatives present pointed out the need to establish training institutes in the areas where this industry is based and take steps to popularise this sector.
The use of new technology, issues arising in export, tax issues etc. were also discussed in the committee. Accordingly, the problems presented in this committee will be prepared as a report and steps will be taken to find solutions to them after discussions with the responsible institutions, the chairman of the committee said.
Leader of the opposition Sajith Premadasa, committee members Akila Ellawala, Waruna Liyanage, Nalaka Bandara Kottegoda and Dr. Thilak Rajapaksa and Member of Parliament Chandima Weerakkodi also participated in this committee meeting.