News

Report called on possibility to mine gem deposits in reservoirs!

Published

1 year ago

August 31, 2023

editor

Several state institutions have been tasked with handing over a report within a week on the possibility of mining gemstones in several reservoirs that have been dried up in the prevailing drought.

The matter had been taken up at a recent meeting of the Parliament
Sectoral Oversight Committee on Alleviating the Impact of the Economic Crisis.

The SOC has urged the Mahaweli Authority, the Ceylon Electricity Board, the National Gem and Jewellery Authority (NGJA), the Irrigation Department and the Gem and Jewellery Research and Training Institute (GJRTI) to provide a report in this regard.

According to MP Gamini Waleboda, the Chairman of the relevant SOC, these institutions will look into the possibility of mining gem deposits in the reservoirs of Samanala Wewa, Norton Bridge and Ihala Kotmale.

He has said that the NGTA and GJRTI has estimated that gem deposits under the Samanala Wewa alone were worth around USD 1.5 – 2 Billion.

However, the SOC has informed the relevant institutions to come up with a national mechanism to mine these gems without causing harm to the environment, the reservoirs or to the electricity generation.

(Source : Divaina)

News

School girl falls to death from Lotus Tower

Published

3 hours ago

October 7, 2024

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A female student from a leading international school had fallen to her death from the observation deck of the Lotus Tower today (Oct. 07), police said.

A police investigation is underway.

News

Scholarship exam leak : NIE Director & school teacher further remanded

Published

6 hours ago

October 7, 2024

editor

The Director of the Planning Division of the National Institute of Education (NIE) in Maharagama and the school teacher, who were arrested by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) over the leaking of questions on the Grade 5 scholarship examination, have been ordered to be remanded until October 22.

This order was issued after the suspects were produced before the Kaduwela Magistrate’s Court.

News

ADB delegation pledges further support for SL economic development

Published

6 hours ago

October 7, 2024

editor

The Country Director of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Resident Mission in Sri Lanka, Takafumi Kadono, along with a delegation, met with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake today (Oct. 07) at the Presidential Secretariat.

The discussions focused on ADB’s ongoing commitment to support Sri Lanka’s economic and social development.

During the meeting, the ADB reaffirmed its dedication to continuing its projects in Sri Lanka, with particular emphasis on bolstering key sectors crucial to the nation’s recovery. Tourism was identified as a critical sector that holds immense potential for Sri Lanka’s economic growth.

In this regard, the ADB assured further assistance in developing tourism infrastructure to harness the sector’s full potential.

President Dissanayake highlighted the importance of promoting tourism in the Northern Region, requesting ADB’s specific support to develop this area.

The ADB delegation expressed its willingness to collaborate and provide resources for this initiative.
Beyond tourism, the ADB also expressed keen interest in aiding the development of Sri Lanka’s energy sector, small-scale entrepreneurs, and financial sector, emphasizing their role in fostering sustainable economic growth.

This continued collaboration between Sri Lanka and the ADB is expected to contribute significantly to the country’s long-term development and recovery efforts.

Mr. Takafumi Kadono, Country Director ADB, Ms. Cholpon Mambetova, Country Operations Head ADB, Ms. Hasitha Wickremasinghe, Senior Economics Officer, Mr. K.M. Mahinda Siriwardana, Secretary to the Treasury and Ministry of Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policies, Mr. D.A.P. Abesekara, Director General Finance Ministry and Ms. Udeni Udugahapattuwa, Director Finance Ministry, were present at this event.

(President’s Media Division)