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Compensation scheme for gem pit victims

The National Gem and Jewellery Authority has introduced a compensation scheme for gem miners falling victim to gem pit accidents. Under this scheme Rs. 50,000 will be paid as compensation to families of each miner killed or disabled in accidents occuring in gem pits without any liability on the part of gem pit owners said a spokesman for the Gem and Jewellery Authority yesterday.

Enterprise Development Industrial Policy and Investment Promotion Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris inaugurated the scheme by awarding compensation payments to the families and dependents of four miners killed recently in gem pit accidents in Ratnapura at a ceremony at the Ratnapura New Town Rural Bank auditorium recently.

Minister of Small Holder Development Susantha Punchinilame also participated. The families were those of Sarath Wickramasinghe, P. Lakshman Pushpakumara, P. B. Nirosha Pushpakumara and B. A. Ravi Nelson who were killed after inhaling a noxious gas emitted from a gem pit in Galamunawatta, Pathagama, Kuruwita.

The spokesman said the Authority also paid Rs. 5,000 each to each family to cover the funeral expenses of the victims.

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