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

The progress made in identifying lands suitable for the mineral industry and locating mineral deposits was reviewed in the discussion, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

The President emphasized the need to promptly identify the potential of the country’s mineral resources and take steps to attract strong investors to the sector.

The progress of exploration activities in Kahatagaha and Eppawala, as well as measures to attract investors, was discussed in detail, the PMD stated.

Extensive discussions were held on the provision of necessary facilities to ensure 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, the statement said.

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 minimize fraud in gem exports was also reviewed, the PMD added.

The progress of construction of the Gem and Jewellery Centre, being established to develop the local gem industry and attract foreign investors, was also discussed.