“During the time I was the Common Candidate for the Presidential Election, the people requested me not to let the foreign companies mine gems in Sri Lanka. After I was elected as the President, I took every action to stop such mining by foreign companies as soon as I got to know about those”, he said.

The President made these remarks at the opening ceremony of the National Gem and Jewelry Exhibition, held yesterday (Dec. 19) at the BMICH.

He pointed out it is essential to provide the mechanical and technical knowledge to those who are engaged in the gem industry, for its growth. “The government will provide every facility on this regard”, the President said.

“When I presented a gem to the Queen Elizabeth at the meeting with her, she; showing her gem jewelries said those were made from Sri Lankan gems. That shows the interest of the foreign countries for Sri Lankan gems”, the President said.

“Though the demand for the Sri Lankan tea and rubber has decreased in the international market, the demand for our gems is increasing. Hence, the gem industry contributes immensely to earn foreign exchange”, the President further stated.

President Sirisena presented an award of appreciation to Mr. Dayananda Dillamuni, a member of the Gemmologists Association of Sri Lanka, for his contribution to development of the gem industry.The President also presented certificates to six Gemmology Diploma Graduates of Sri Lanka Gem and Jewelry Association.

Chairman of the Sri Lanka Gem and Jewelry Association Mr. K. L. D. Daya Sagara presented a gift to President Sirisena at this occasion.

Secretary to the Mahaweli Development and Environment Udaya R. Senevirathne, Additional Secretary R. A. R. R. Rupasinghe, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Sri Lanka Gem and Jewelry Authority Asanka Sanjeewa Welagedara, Secretary of the Gemmologists’ Association of Sri Lanka Thilak Mendis and Committee President of the exhibition – 2015 Udaya Senarath Yapa also participated in this event.