Dr Sarath Amunugama Minister of Enterprise Development and Investment Promotion has told the French Television Channel M6 that the Sri Lankan gem sector, which currently earns US$ 500 million in exports earning, needs to be developed into a US$ 1 billion sector by 2010. Dr Amunugama described the long history of gems in Sri Lanka, which had a worldwide reputation that went back even to Roman times.
The Minister, was quoted as saying in a press release, that it was important that an equitable price was paid for Sri Lankan gems and that the most modern methods are introduced to determine their value. The French Television Channel M6 is preparing an in depth documentary on the global gem industry that will cover the sector from the mining of gems in Ratnapura to their eventual sale in the exclusive boutiques at the Place Vendome in Paris, where many of the leading names in jewellery are located. |
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