Presidnet Maithripala Sirisena held a meeting with stakeholders of the Gem and jewelry industry on issues faced by them.

Attention was drawn to issues like relieving the levy of 15% on gold imports, difficulties arising new taxes imposed by the government and reducing the mining licence fee charged by the Lands Commission.

The need  for using abandoned and uncultivated paddy fields  for mining activities was also discussed. a

The President instructed officials to provide relief to miners  and to take legal actions to cancel the licenses of the miners who do not take steps to close the mine sites when mining is finished.

Attention also focused on the issues arising when carrying out raids on illegal mining and preparation of a proper mechanism to take legal action against fake gemstones suppliers.