PARLIAMENT

Hon. (Mrs.) M.A.C.S. Chathuri Gangani,—To ask the Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development,— (1)

(a) Will he inform this House—

(i) of the number of licences issued by the National Gem and Jewellery Authority for excavating and mining gemstones in year 2024;

(ii) of the number of licences issued for excavating and mining gemstones within the Wellawaya Divisional Secretariat Division in the Moneragala District;

(iii) whether those licences are issued subject to the recommendations of the Central Environmental Authority; and

(iv) of the measures that will be taken to prevent the environmental damage caused by the irregular nature in mining?

(b) If not, why?