International Gem and jewellery exhibition in Ratnapura for the first time
Officials at the briefing. Pic by Indika Handuwela
While Ratnapura is well-known for gem mining in Sri Lanka and for the precious blue and padparadscha sapphires, the International Gem and Jewellery exhibition 2024 will be held in the city for the first time. The National Gem and Jewellery Authority (NGJA) has taken the initiative to hold the exhibition from June 29 to July 1 at the Grand Silver Ray Hotel in Pelmadulla.
During a media briefing held at the NH Collection Hotel (former Movenpick Hotel) in Colombo last Wednesday, NGJA, Chairman and CEO, Viraj De Silva highlighted, “Since the exhibition is held in Ratnapura for the very first time, we are bringing down groups of genuine gem buyers from overseas. Buyers who would spend more than US$ 100,000 will be provided free accommodation.” Visitors attending the exhibition will get a glimpse of the process from mining to the final product, he added.
He also mentioned, “The exhibition is not only a showcase of our rich gem and jewellery heritage but is also a pivotal event for the future of the industry, as we aim to position Ratnapura as a global gem-trading hub.” The exhibition is a global event, attracting delegations from China, India, Vietnam, Germany, Thailand, and many other countries. These international participants bring a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and innovation, fostering cross-cultural exchanges and collaborations that benefit the global gem industry.
Minister of Industries, Ramesh Pathirana stated, “Some of the industries that earn foreign revenue to Sri Lanka are cinnamon, tea, garments and gem and jewellery. The gem and jewellery industry needs to be boosted and promoted globally to reach its due recognition.” He stressed that the Ministry of Finance has brought in some regulations that creates red-tape to the gem and jewellery sector that needs to be sorted out.
State Minister of Industries, Chamara Sampath Dassanayake noted, “Just as the NGJA is trying to promote gem business in Ratnapura, tourism should also be promoted in line with the exhibition. Do we have enough rooms for visitors attending the three-day exhibition in Ratnapura? All gem and jewellery businessmen in Colombo and Beruwala must support the Ratnapura businessmen despite cultural differences.”
This year’s exhibition will play a crucial role in achieving Sri Lanka’s target of US$2 billion in gem and jewellery exports by 2025. The exhibition will host 80 high-value booths displaying a variety of precious stones and jewellery. Additionally, 12 booths will be allocated for small and medium entrepreneurs.
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