National Gem And Jewellery Authority Act (No. 50 of 1993)

Sri Lanka Consolidated Acts

Powers and functions of the Authority

14.

(1) The functions of the Authority shall be

	(a) to promote and develop the gem industry and the jewellery industry ;

	(b) to initiate and implement schemes for the promotion and development of the gem industry and the jewellery industry ;

	(c) to exploit the market for gems and jewellery whether in or outside Sri Lanka and to promote the demand for such gems and jewellery in world markets ;

	(d) to promote and sponsor technical training of personnel on every aspect relating to the gem industry and the jewellery industry and especially on heat treatment and gem cutting, with a view to developing such industries ;

	(e) to take such steps that are necessary to generate confidence in the gem industry and the jewellery industry among prospective buyers ;

	(f) to prevent unlawful gemming and the unlawful removal of gems from Sri Lanka ;

	(g) subject to the provisions of Article 33 of the Constitution to act as the sole authority responsible for the alienation of the right to mine for gems in or over State land, or in or over land disposed of by the State or the State Gem Corporation where the mining or gemming rights remain with the State, whether by reason of any reservation or otherwise :

(h) to provide technical and other advice and the infrastructural support necessary for the marketing of gems and jewellery ;

(i) the administration of any scheduled written law in so far only

	(j) to establish offices for certification of gems and assaying of precious metal;

	(k) to provide for the jewellery manufactured in Sri Lanka to be stamped with a hall mark in the prescribed manner, at the request of a manufacturer ;

	(l) to collect statistics from persons engaged in the gem industry and the jewellery industry on any matter relating to the gem industry or the jewellery industry, and to publish such statistics in its discretion ;

	(m) to provide the necessary liaison between the gem industry, the jewellery industry and Government departments, in order to promote and co-ordinate the development of the gem industry and the jewellery industry in Sri Lanka ;

	(n) to regulate and control the terms and conditions of employment of persons who work in the gem industry and the jewellery industry, and in particular the safety measures to be taken to protect such persons from danger to life and limb.

(2) For the purpose of discharging the functions referred to in subsection (1) the Authority shall have the following powers :

	(a) to acquire, hold, take or give on lease or hire, mortgage, pledge, sell or otherwise dispose of, any movable or immovable property;

	(b) to obtain loans on such terms and conditions as may be approved by the Minister for the purpose of discharging it's functions ;

	(c) to accept gifts grants or donations whether in cash or otherwise, and to apply them for discharging its functions;

	(d) to appoint a Director-General of the Authority;

	(e) to appoint such other officers and servants as may be necessary for carrying out the work of the Authority;

	(f) to determine the remuneration payable to the officers and servants so .appointed ;

	(g) to pay such remuneration out of the Fund of the Authority;

	(h) to pay rewards in the prescribed manner to (i) any person; (ii) a public officer or an employee of the Authority, Providing information or assisting in any raid leading to the discovery of the commission of an offence under this Act, out of the funds of the Authority ;

	(i) to establish a provident fund, a social security scheme, and provide welfare and recreational facilities, houses, hostels and other like accommodation, to persons employed by the Authority ;

	(j) to enter into and perform all such contracts whether in or outside Sri Lanka as may be necessary for the exercise of the powers and discharge of the functions of the Authority;

	(k) to make rules in respect of the administration of the affairs of the Authority; and

	(l) generally, to do all such other things as are necessary to facilitate the proper discharge of the function of the Authority.