Strong Chinese business presence at Facets, Sri Lanka’s annual gem and jewellery exhibition
View(s):An 80-member strong Chinese business presence and interests dominated ‘Facets 2014’, the Sri Lanka International Gem and Jewellery Exhibition (SLGJE) held over three days last week at the BMICH.
As indicated by the highly globalised SLGJE held for the 24th consecutive year, the gem and jewellery industry in Sri Lanka has been one of the most lucrative businesses in Sri Lanka. But a German industry expert, who has been helping Sri Lanka to promote this sector, sounded a stark warning that if the industry process would not follow ethical safety and health measures, there is a possibility of consumers not buying such
Checking out exhibits.
products.
Dr. Claudio C Milisenda, Managing Director, German Foundation for Gemstone Research (DSEF), German Gem Lab speaking as the Guest of Honour at the opening ceremony of the Facets 2014 said that one component of the process from mining to cutting of gems would create an ethical challenge if there is no safety and health precautions in the mining.
He said that at the end of the supply chain, when the product reaches the buyer it is not only the price and value of the jewellery they buy that matters, but also that the purchase paves the way for better living conditions and if the necessary safety and health conditions (for miners and their familes) are not in place in the process of production, then there is a possibility of the consumer not buying such jewellery. Therefore it is best that this threat of integrity of the production process is taken off, he suggested.
Dr. Milisenda said “The people who are buying jewellery needs to be comforted by the thought that their purchase provides a better life for the people who toil to produce these gems”.
His affiliation with Sri Lanka he said dates back to 1936 and his visits included the time spent on his PhD work.
Dr. Milisenda said that during his research studies he found that Sri Lanka has a great potential and this industry has become the livelihood of many people in Sri Lanka. He said “To consolidate this (asset) it has to be guided in the right direction. The National Gem and Jewellery Authority needs to set up a framework for clean and ethical mining practices ensuring health and safety of workers”.
Juzar Adamaly, Chairman, Organizing Committee, Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Association said that this year there were buyers from India, China, Russia, USA, Thailand, Singapore, UAE, Hong Kong, Norway and Pakistan and many more from other parts of the globe.
He said that for the last 24 years Facets not only stood the test of time but has now become a successful international event that serves their industry and the country.