Authorities of the National Gem and Jewellery Authority government ministers and other relevant government officials recently met at the Ratnapura District Secretariat to discuss measures to amend regulations which had earlier impeded the gem industry.
The authorities have reached an agreement to reduce several charges and taxes the miners have to pay.
Some of the changes agreed during the meeting are, to reduce the amount paid as a deposit in the process of securing a permit for gem mining, to reduce fines from Rs. 50,000 to Rs.5,000 and to reduce the Rs. 15,000 tax imposed on gem miners for using equipment to Rs. 3000 rupees.
In addition the miners using traditional methods for gem mining will not be charged a tax. However, the authorities have totally banned the auctioning of the Kalu Ganga for mining.
During the meeting the officials have agreed to reintroduce the old regional management programme in making recommendations for the issue of permits to improve facilities in the purchasing process and the granting of standard certificates.
Ministers Anura Priyadharshana Yapa, W.D.J. Seneviratne, Pavithra Wanniarachchi and Vasudeva Nanayakkara and Sabaragamuwa Chief Minister Mahipala Herath participated in the discussion.
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