President issues directive making NGJA seal mandatory for gold products

By Sandun A Jayasekera 

President Maithripala Sirisena has instructed the National Gem and Jewellery Authority (NGJA) to make it mandatory to obtain the guarantee and the certificate seal of the NGJA for gold products sold in the market. 

He has also directed the NGJA to raid jewellery shops selling jewellery without using that seal.

These presidential directives were given yesterday during a discussion President Sirisena had with the NGJA top management when he paid an official visit to the authority in Colpetty. 

President Sirisena emphasized the need to make gold traders aware of the requirement of obtaining this guarantee certificate and make the public vigilant about this certification when they purchase jewellery as it has been revealed that many jewellery shops sell substandard gold jewellery. 

He also instructed to make proper procedures to implement the rules and regulations of the NGJA. The present activities and future plans were also discussed at this meeting. 
Issues arising from issuance of license for gem lands and clearance of gold consignments at the Bandaranaike International Airport were also discussed. 

Secretary to the Ministry of Mahaweli Development and Environment Anura Disanayake, Chairman of the Gem and Jewellery Authority, Reginald Cooray, Director General H.P. Sumanasekara and senior officials were also present at this discussion.