ITAK MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam last week called for greater transparency over the country’s mineral exploration and mining sector, raising concerns in Parliament about whether foreign-linked companies are profiting f…
ITAK MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam
Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam last week called for greater transparency over the country’s mineral exploration and mining sector, raising concerns in Parliament about whether foreign-linked companies are profiting from the country’s mineral resources without delivering adequate benefits to the public. In a post on ‘X,’ Rasamanickam noted he questioned the Government on its National Mineral Policy and the issuance of mineral exploration and mining licences. Among the issues raised was whether companies that secured exploration rights had subsequently used those licences to raise capital, attract investors, transfer ownership interests, or obtain listings on foreign stock exchanges. He also sought information on royalty income earned by the State, environmental assessments related to mining activities, pending licence applications, and concerns raised by communities in areas including Vakarai, Thirukkovil, and Akkaraipattu. According to Rasamanickam, the Minister was unable to provide answers during the parliamentary session and requested two weeks to respond. “Before more licences are issued, the public deserves to know who is benefitting from Sri Lanka’s mineral wealth and whether the economic returns justify the environmental and social costs borne by local communities,” he added.