Sri Lanka will host its first-ever International Mining and Mineral Conference, investor forum and exhibition next month.
Minister of environment Naseer Ahamed has planned the two day event at the BMICH in Colombo from 21 October, which has received the cabinet nod.
It has a high potential to become the next ‘billion-dollar industry’ in Sri Lanka, said chairman of the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau (GMSB) R. Sanjeepan at a media briefing.
At least 500 foreign investors involved in the industry will be attracted to the event, he said.
Senthil Thondaman’s directive against GSMB
Sanjeepan responded to a question with regard to a directive by east governor Senthil Thondman that prevents GSMB from carrying out mineral exploration in the province.
He said with the matter being before courts, it would be inappropriate to make a comment.
But, he said it was the first time that they had to face such an obstacle in its four decades of such work.
Mineral resources come under the property that belongs to the state and the people as per the 13th amendment to the constitution, and the GSMB has the full right to engage in such activities, he added.
