Sri Lanka finds gold again

History records that there were jewellery and gem sales outlets on the road from Mihintale to Anuradhapura after the arrival of Arahat Mahinda in Sri Lanka. The ancient written description of the Ruwanweliseya refers to the village of Rambewa - so named according to legend because at this spot gold was unloaded from carts that had broken down due to the weight of the 'god-given gold' that was being transported in seven carts after having been unearthed from Ranpathwila, near Anuradhapura.

The unloaded gold had then been transferred to other carts.

Although it is said that in later periods Sri Lanka had imported gold there is no evidence of such imports in the country's long history, said National Gem and Jewellery Authority Chairman and CEO Anil Koswatte.

Although not found in large quantities in one area surveys have revealed that Horana, the vicinity of the Nilwala River and Akuressa and Deniyaya have gold deposits, according to the NGJA Chairman.

He said that investigations by the NGJA Assay Office have revealed that sand samples taken from Deniyaya and surrounding areas in the Southern Province contain gold while the soft sand found in gem mines and river bottoms contain not only gold but also high-value metals like titanium and uranium.

Further search for gold is being conducted under the full patronage of Environment Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa and the day when there will be a demand for Sri Lankan gold from foreign countries is not far off, said Koswatte.