Jan 10, Colombo: Environment Minister Mahinda Amaraweera has instructed the Board of Directors of the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau (GSMB) to transfer Rs. 2.5 billion from its revenues to the Treasury.

Accordingly, steps have been taken to provide Rs. 2 billion under the first phase.

The Minister has also instructed the Board of Directors to provide another Rs. 500 million to the Treasury under the second phase within this month (January) itself.

Minister Amaraweera has given these instructions during a discussion with the Board of Directors of the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau.

He also said that steps would be taken to send another Rs. 500 million to the Treasury before the end of this year. Accordingly, it is planned to provide Rs. 3 billion to the Treasury in the near future, he said.

The Minister directed the Board of Directors to submit immediate plans and proposals to make the work of the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau more efficient at present.

Minister Amaraweera directed the Board of Directors to take steps to protect the reputation of the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau and to expedite investigations into officials currently facing corruption charges.