The Cabinet of Minister has approved measures to seek the Parliamentary approval to liberalise the country’s gem mining licence scheme, enabling activity even on leased lands. 

As per the provisions of the Government Gem Corporation By-Laws, imposed under the provisions of Government Gem Corporation Act No. 03 of 1971, the licences for the gem industry can only be obtained for lands with clear and individual ownership and individual or 
freehold ownership. 

Accordingly, a person who acquires any land on a lease basis for gem mining cannot apply for a gem mining licence. 

However, the government said it had been observing that about 20 percent of the applications submitted, seeking permission for gem mining, were for lands with shared rights or 
leasehold rights. 

Accordingly, the Industries Minister has issued orders by gazette notification No. 2165/1 on 2 March 2020, in accordance with the provisions of National Gem and Jewellery Act No. 50 of 1993, so that such applicants can also be issued with licences. 

The Cabinet of Ministers this week approved the proposal made to submit these Orders to Parliament for approval.