Systematic curriculum for gem cutting, jewellery production timely
need - Amunugama
Formulation of a systematic curriculum for gem cutting and jewellery
production industry is a timely need which should be fulfilled by the
Gem and Jewellery Training and Research Institute (GJTRI).
Granting of Diplomas and Degrees through training programmes
conducted under such a systematic curriculum will help develop the
economy by increasing national income, said Enterprise Development and
Investment Promotion Minister Dr. Sarath Amunugama.
Dr. Amunugama said so at a meeting which followed the opening of a
Gem and Jewellery Training and Research Regional Centre at Werellagama,
Kandy recently.
Dr. Amunugama said the Gem and Jewellery industry sector in Sri Lanka
had still not been developed to its full potential. Optimum development
of this sector would facilitate more job avenues for youth, increase
national income and improve the living standards of a large number of
the population.
Amunugama said a proper survey had still not been done on Sri Lanka’s
gem deposits. Therefore the National Gem and Jewellery Authority (NGJA)
and the GJTRI engage in scientific research to identify new gem deposits
which have not been harnessed.
Aimless and haphazard mining without identifying proper layers of gem
deposits would cause untold damage to the environment. This could be
avoided if authorities took steps to educate people about places with
gem deposits identified through proper survey and research.
He said the NGJA should not obstruct land owners with potential gem
deposits from prospecting for them. What the NGJA should do is to assist
them to do it systematically.Amunugama said the Government had not
allowed development to suffer a setback despite a war situation.
The Government had launched massive road and other infrastructure
development activities, electricity, water supply and other schemes in
earnest and the people were well aware of it. Provincial Council member
Dilum Amunugama also spoke.
NGJA Chairman Asoka Jayawardene and other officials were also
present. |
