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by Ratnapura group correspondent

The 'gemming' population numbering over four lakhs had now been reduced by 75 per cent. This has resulted in a fall in the gem industry, said M.A. Justin, Sabaragmuwa Provincial Council member.

Speaking during the debate on the annual appropriation bill, he said during the last 10 years over three-fourth of the gemming population in the Ratnapura district had given up their vocations in search of other 'pastures'.

Justin said the plight of gemmers, both pit-workers and those operating on their own was precarious. The gemming population's situation had got worse because of the taxation by the Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council since 2001 draining gem investors who had moved to better investment. Other gem and jewellery investors were planning to transfer their business interest in precious stones and jewellery, to Colombo as the Western Provincial Council had abolished all taxes on gem related trade, Justin said.

The dearth of private gem land in the district was another reason for gem workers to take to other employment, he said. But most who left to Colombo had according to reports become drug addicts and victims of vice and corruption, Justin said.

Vast stretches of gem lands locked up in the estate sector, held out expectations of a revival of the gem industry in the Ratnapura district, he said.

Justin placed before the House the proposal that the right of gemming in the estate land should not be alienated to the foreigners or the plantation companies, at any cost.

Chairman Athula Karunaratne presided.

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