The issuance of permits and licenses by the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau has come to a complete standstill as the result of orders issued to its director general by the Environment Ministry.
Additional secretary (administration) P.K.S. Subodini wrote two letters on behalf of the ministry secretary, both dated 13 October.
The first one instructs that ministry advice be obtained in the issuance of the permits.
The second orders the Bureau not to issue new permits and also to refrain from make key decisions until further notice.
Both have been copied to the secretary to the president.
A senior official of the Bureau said such uncalled for interventions by the ministry are discouraging investors to the island’s petroleum resources field.
“These conspiracies will fall us from the frying pan into the fire. It is a serious matter that disruptions by certain officials are denying attempts to earn some dollars,” he said.
