Opposition MP Shanakyan Rasamanickam has raised concerns in Parliament over the Government’s National Mineral Policy and the issuance of mineral exploration and mining licences.
Speaking in Parliament, Rasamanickam questioned whether companies that obtained exploration licences over Sri Lanka’s mineral resources had subsequently used those licences to raise capital, attract investors, transfer ownership interests, or list on foreign stock exchanges while generating limited benefits for Sri Lanka.
He also sought clarification on royalty income received by the state, environmental assessments conducted for mining projects, pending licence applications, and concerns raised by communities in areas including Vakarai, Thirukkovil and Akkaraipattu.
According to the MP, the Minister was unable to provide answers during the parliamentary session and requested two weeks to respond.
Rasamanickam said the public has a right to know who benefits from Sri Lanka’s mineral wealth and whether the economic returns justify the environmental and social costs borne by local communities before additional licences are issued. (Newswire)