|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
| Monday, 1 March 2004 |
 |
|
 |
News | |
| News Business Features Editorial Security Politics World Letters Sports Obituaries
|
The People of this country has been afforded an opportunity to decide whether to give the present government a mandate to continue, said Prof. G.L. Peiris, Minister of Enterprise Development, Industrial Policy, Investment Promotion and Constitutional Affairs, at an awards ceremony organized by the Gem and Jewellery Authority at the Colombo Plaza Hotel. Awards and certificates were presented to those who excelled in the gem and jewellery trade. Prof. Peiris further said that due to the cosmopolitan nature of the gem and jewellery trade, it would flourish only if it's linked to international commerce. But a frog-in-the-well attitude, advocated today by some, is the very antithesis of the programme that is required for the resuscitation and the vitalization of this industry. He said the considerable progress has been made in the gem and jewellery field due to a certain peaceful environment that existed in the country; Furthermore the great economic potential of this sphere has made it most appropriate for rapid development. It has taken deep root in our culture. People have shown considerable expertise and skills and it was left to the government to provide the resources, the facilities and the institutional mechanism necessary to realize the full potential of the industry. The exponential growth of tourism witnessed in the country due to the peaceful environment that prevailed has acted as a stimulant to the growth of this industry. Prof Peiris reiterated that inculcation of brand consciousness is very important to the progress of the industry; He also said that a structured programme has been put in place for the development of the industry and a geologist with the highest academic qualifications has been commissioned to undertake a survey of gemological resources in the island. Furthermore the legal regime, specially in relation to the laws governing land use, has been overhauled and brought in line with contemporary requirements. |
|
News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security
Produced by Lake House |
