It has been revealed that the value of 271 gemstones in the Department's Geology division, which have been securely deposited at the Metropolitan Branch of the Bank of Ceylon since September 18, 1964, remains unassessed, the National Audit report in 2023 revealed.

After the physical inspection conducted in 1993, one of the gemstones was found to be an artificial stone, and it was deposited in the Geology division.

“The value of these remaining 271 gems had not been assessed with the help of a gemologist from the National Gems and Jewellery Authority. The Gems and Jewellery Authority has been informed in writing to assess the value of the collection of gemstones, and they have informed that they cannot carry out the examination and valuation of the gemstones in the relevant bank premises, and those should be sent to the laboratories of the Gems and Jewellery Authority,” it said.

Also, this matter was discussed in the departmental audit and management committee meeting where the Treasury representative stated that it is not appropriate to hand over these materials to an external agency for assessment.

In this regard, it informed that further work is expected to be done, after the approval of the Ministry Secretary.