PARLIAMENT

The Ministerial Consultative Committee on Plantation Industries took into consideration regarding granting permission in consultation with the National Gems and Jewelry Commission for gem mining activities in Ambilipitiya Mahaweli lands during the post-harvest period.

Discussions on this regard took place during the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Plantation Industries held in Parliament recently under the Chairmanship of Hon. (Dr.) Ramesh Pathirana, Minister of Industry.

Apart from that, the fact that the share of the profit from the mining of gemstones is not properly distributed to the workers engaged in the mining activities was also discussed in detail. The Minister also instructed the authorities to look into giving the employees their rightful share.

The measures taken and the progress made regarding the credit issues faced by small and medium enterprises affected by COVID were also discussed at the Committee meeting held.

The officials informed about the SMILE loan scheme implemented under the Ministry of Industry to strengthen small and medium enterprises.

Apart from this, the Committee also approved the Regulations published in the Gazette under the Companies Act No. 07 of 2007.

Hon. Ajith Rajapakse, Deputy Speaker, State Minister Hon. Chamara Sampath Dasanayake, Hon. Vijitha Berugoda, Hon. Piyal Nishantha De Silva, Members of Parliament Hon. Charitha Herath, Hon. Jagath Kumara Sumithraarachchi, Hon. Kulasingam Thileepan, Hon. Udayakantha Gunathilaka, Hon. U. K. Sumith Udukumbura, Hon. Gunathilaka Rajapaksha, Hon. Kumarasiri Rathnayaka were present at the Committee meeting held.