National Mineral Policy needs revision to meet current legal, environmental standards

Colombo, November 12 (Daily Mirror) - The National Mineral Policy in Sri Lanka should be revised to align with current legal and environmental conditions.

Addressing an event on the "National Dialogue on the Mineral Policy of Sri Lanka," Dr. Ravindranath Dabare, Senior Adviser at the Environmental Justice Center, highlighted the need to develop a mineral policy that aligns with both local and international laws.

"Some aspects of the existing National Mineral Policy contradict with recent court rulings. Certain provisions have been challenged before courts. The National Mineral Policy, which includes elements that appear to conflict with these rulings, should focus on updating laws and court decisions among the basic laws in force in the country," Dr. Dabare said.

He noted a contradiction between the introduction of the existing policy and its stated objectives, alleging that despite the clarifications in its introduction, its aims are largely commercial.

Dr. Dabare also mentioned the lack of specific laws or regulations addressing key limitations within the policy.

He questioned whether the policy, as it stands, is realistic.

Therefore, he urged that certain points be amended to reflect recent court decisions and for the policy to be readjusted accordingly.