Pensions for miners too

A new regional sub office of the Gem and Jewelery Authority was opened in Laggala, Elahera yesterday under the patronage of State Minister Lohan Ratwatte.

It was built for the convenience of the gem industry and a pension will be paid to the gem miners through the Welfare Board from yesterday, the Minister said.

The Minister of State further stated that a program is being prepared to attract at least part of the revenue earned from the gem resources of Sri Lanka in Thailand and Hong Kong.