The President stated this addressing an event held at the Dehiowita Pradeshiya Sabha Auditorium on Monday (29). The event was held to distribute benefits obtained from the integrated pilot Seethawaka Gem Mining Project in Talduwa to the beneficiaries.
A sum of 34.2 million rupees was distributed among 165 places of worship as well as among 900 Samurdhi recipients, differently able persons and orphan children.
The President further said that the government has taken a policy decision to distribute among low income families in the relevant areas the profits earned by businessmen as well as the Government from the gem industry in the future.
In his address, the President assured that necessary action would be taken to carry forward the Gem Corporation as an establishment sans political interference.
Among those present on the occasion were Sabaragamuwa Chief Minister Maheepala Herath, Ranjith Siyambalapitiya, Athauda Senevirathna, Opposition Leader of Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council Dr.Thusitha Wijemanna and Chairman Gem and Jewellery Authority Anura Gunawardena.