BY Buddhika SamaraweeraThe National Gem and Jewellery Authority (NGJA) has denied the recent allegations made by the Movement for Land and Agricultural Reform (MONLAR) that certain powerful businessmen in Ratnapura are engaged in unauthorised mechanised gem mining with the support of two powerful politicians in the area. Sajeewa Chamikara of the MONLAR has recently alleged that unauthorised mechanised gem mining with the support of powerful politicians in the Ratnapura area has caused severe environmental damage. Chamikara further claimed that those who engaged in illegal gem mining were suppressing the issues faced by people using their financial and political clout. However, when contacted by The Morning, the NGJA Chairman Thilak Weerasinghe denied the allegations made by the MONLAR. He said that gem mining was permitted only to licensees, adding that necessary action would be taken against cases of illegal mining.

Source: The Nation July 27, 2021 17:37 UTC