Sri Lanka is in the world map once again and this time not because of its cricketing greatness or being blessed with nature’s bounty in terms of flora and fauna, but the scenic and picturesque country is to play host to the 16th International Color Gemstone Association [ICA] Congress to be held between the 16th and 19th May 2015.
Yes Sri Lankan Gems and Jewellery Industry’s strong history coupled with world’s famous“ Ceylon Sapphire”, for which the country is known across the globe has paved way for one of the most elaborate and magnamious ICA Congress show that the entire Sri Lankan gem industry is aspiring to achieve.
Sri Lankan mining as well as cutting industry has groomed to produce exquisite and exclusive quality gems which is making inroads in the Global Gemstone markets only to mentor a leadership status for the economy in the segment. Sri Lankan gem industry has also adapted latest in technology and machine tool to make the output globally acclaimed.
Efficient use of CAD, Laser soldering, Metrology, Alloy making technique etc and facilitating collaborative educational programs and skill transfer from leading International institutes has gone a long way in boosting indigenous production of the Nation.
Gemstone Mining is an important activity that not only brings out a variety of stones apart from the famous Sri Lankan Sapphire, but also is a major export revenue earner for the economy. The recent guidelines issued by the government of Sri Lanka of not allowing foreign entities to invest or Mine stones within the territory only goes to show the confidence of the state in its expertise in exploration and mining.
A number of Laboratory and gemmological servicing companies and institutes too work towards building an authentic canvass for the Sri Lankan gems to travel across International markets.
The Jewellery Industry of Sri Lanka is constituent of a rich and ancestral heritage which has earned itself an illustrious global recognition and positioning in the global market.
Apart from gemstones the Sri Lankan jewellery industry is alo looking towards building a niche in the jewellery segment and successfully promote the ‘Made in Sri Lanka’ brand. Come May and a large number of gemstone industry members and corporate would descend into the gemstone capital for the ICA Congress showdown.
Srilanka the Gorgeous Pearl of The Indian Ocean is not only a beautiful Island nation veiled by the “Endless Sheets of Heaven”,The Magnificently Picturesque Nation is a “Treasure Island”, enriched with the astonishing splendour of vividly coloured bewitching gem stones that glitter to outshine the twinkling stars of a cloudless night.
The brilliance of Coloured stones from the “Serendib” (Sri Lanka) have inspired ancient Kings, Infamous Silk Road Traders of Chinese & Arabian & Chinese origin as well as Historians of medieval ancestry to affectionately nick name their precious little Island as “Rathna Dveepaya” to mean “The Gemmed Island” in English.
Marco Polo 1292 A.D.
Little has changed since Marco Polo’s time. Such references reflective of the Historical Heritage and Grand Antiquity of the Srilankan Gem Industry has indeed catalysed the Iconic Recognition of the “Ceylon Sapphire” as the Premium Coloured Stone of the World.
It is with a deep sense of contentment and insightful accomplishment that I contribute this message to the corporate profile of The National Gem & Jewellery Authority (NGJA) of Sri Lanka as the Chairman - Chief Executive Officer.
The NGJA vested with the mandate to Regulate, Develop and Promote the Sri Lankan Gem & Jewellery Industry has today left no stone unturned to accomplish the commitment conferred in its charter as a premier national institution responsible for over athird of the gross National Export.
Comprehensive Industry benevolent liberalisation of stifling legislative regulations have indeed been the epitome of our focus. The spectrum of well deliberates strategies delicately implemented have not only underpinned the ever widening marketing horizons of the industry but has also nurtured the enhancement and growth of the stakeholder community engaged in the industry.
This triumph accomplished with the intended exploit the accomplishment of “Sri Lanka – The Wonder of Asia” Postulated and Envision under the Mahinda Chinthanaya National Concept has indeed been the germinal outcome of a multi-faceted span of efforts engaged by the NGJA.
Inspired by the Global branding “Sri Lanka, Sapphire Capital of the World” over and above the “Gem Richness of The Nation” we, at National Gems & Jewellery Authority (NGJA) have initiated a multitude of result yielding positive measures for the betterment of the industry.
As the Chairman – CEO of the NGJA it is my insightful contentment to announce that comprehensive transnational efforts at enhancing the Industry Visibility, Transparency, Knowledge and Skill aptitude of all stake holders associated with the industry are already in place with the view to upgrade “The offer of Srilanka” to the International Market. I bow my head in utmost admiration of the hard work selflessly “Worked In” by each team leader and his or her team to under pin the composite success the National Gem & Jewellery Authority.
Sri Lanka, is indeed a blessed nation enriched with dazzling gems of matchless range and quality. The glittering magnificence veiled protectively inside her middle has not only earned Srilanka many nick names of fond reference by ancient tradesmen.
Little has changed since the times of Marco Polo and Iban Batuta since Sri Lanka continues to enjoy her established undisputed acceptance to be regarded as the premier source of precious coloured stones of global acknowledgment. The purposeful intent of the activities instigated has indeed contributed positively by enhancing the Gemstone exportation volumes to many countries such as USA, Thailand, Hong Kong, China, Britain, European Union, Switzerland and Singapore recording a staggering 22% increase in comparison to yesteryear.
Comprehensive Participation at all trade fairs & Exhibitions pursuing the perceptibility of Sri Lankan Gem & Jewellery industry under “Sri Lanka Sapphire Capital of The World” branding strategy whist extracting the promotional impact of the ever so popular “Srilanka Pavilions” have indeed been the additional support measure facilitated by the NGJA.
Furthermore, in this focus and background it is my prerogative to conceitedly specify that the commissioning of the State of the Art, High Tech Gemmological laboratory NGJA-LGL has been the long awaited impetus that would indeed another purpose driven benefaction established by the NGJA.
The Globally accredited and Recognized Laboratory constituent of Internationally renowned Expatriate Gemologists, Explicitly trained staff inclusive of the Ultramodern Equipment would undeniably serve as the spring board generating invaluable buyer confidence whilst providing a service of immense convenience to all investors involved in the industry.
Amitha K. Gamage Mba - Chairman / Chief Executive Officer - The National Gem And Jewellery Authority Of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s State Gem Corporation established under the founder chairmanship of the late Mr. T. G. Punchiappuhamy on 1st November 1971 was subsequently, retitled THE NATIONAL GEM AND JEWELLERY AUTHORITY (NGJA) via Parliamentary act No. 50 of 1993. The new Mandate & Commission of the authority is the Directive to Develop, Regulate and Promote the Gemstone & Jewellery industry in Sri Lanka.
Responsibilities & Activities
• Development, Regulation & Promotion of the Sri Lanka Gemstone & Jewellery industry.
• Initiation, Facilitation & Engagement of Procedures and Techniques to underpin the deemed progressive direction of the aforementioned industry benevolent mandate. for the promotion and development of the gem industry.
• Exploration, Pursuance, Negotiation, Exploitation & Furtherance of Marketing Opportunities and Business to Business (B2B) Networking Platforms prevalent in the Domestic as well as in International Markets with the view to consolidate and reinforce the ever increasing demand for the product output of the Sri Lankan Gemstone & Jewellery Industry.
• Facilitation and Engagement of both Local and Internationally reputed professional resource persons to conduct and update the Technical , Marketing, Social Responsibility & Business Administrative knowledge & Aptitude via Nationwide programs for the benevolence of all stake holders involved in the Srilankan Gem & Jewellery Industry.
• Implementation of well strategized activations designed to underpin the accomplishment of an untarnished level of supreme buyer confidence within the Buyer and Trader communities of Sri Lankan Gemstones & Jewellery Industry.
• Proscription and Abolishment of Illegitimate Industrial Activity inclusive of Irresponsible and Environmentally Damaging Gemstone mining and Illegal trafficking.
• Establishment of fully equipped and dynamic Laboratory Units at strategic locations to facilitate services such as Gemstone Certification & Precious Metal Assays.
• Upgrading of Regulatory Industry norms and Standards to be abreast with the international benchmarks as well as to throughput the social accountability of staff members and the attractiveness of alluring new enrolments critically needed for the continuance of the industry.
Strategic Direction
Meeting Global Challenges
Facilitation of comprehensive Industry readiness to meet all challenges spanning from Design, Quality, Durability, Business Practice, Delivery Schedules, Shipping, Funding, Output Volumes, Tariff Anomalies and Regulation. Development of the Production Quality & Design Aptitude inclusive of the Skill levels of the Local Jewellery Manufacturers to strongly compete on an even plateau with the threats caused by the influx Jewellery and Skilled labor from Foreign Nations exploiting the open economic policy of the Nation.
Keeping Abreast With Highly Competitive Markets
Consistent and continuous participation and Sri Lankan Gem & Jewellery Industry Promotion at all International Jewellery Fairs and Expositions Show casing of Sri Lankan product offer as well as to establishing trade linkage and Relationships with potential buyers.
Continuity of the establishment of the Sri Lankan Gemstone & Jewellery Pavilion at many international markets under the branding “Sri Lanka - Sapphire Capital of the World” with the presence and endorsement of The National Gem & Jewellery Authority. Increment and boosting of the International sales volumes of the Gemstone & Jewellery Industry facilitating incentives to encourage greater participation from the trader community.
Development Of Highly Skilled Designers Capable Of Maintaining Global Competitiveness
Facilitation of workshops and seminars using International & Local resources Personnel with the collaboration and cooperation of Jewellery Manufacturers Associations located in all districts on a transnational basis. Engagement of programs with the anticipation to enhance the knowledge and industry awareness and it potential for lucrative employment and entrepreneurship amongst the youth and all stake holders engaged in the industry. This effort would arrest the exodus and attract more and more individuals to be engaged in the industry.
Advancement in Design & Cutting
Provision, Distribution and Facilitation of Accessibility to modern high tech precision Gemstone Faceting & Jewellery Manufacturing Equipment. The proposed programs focus on the setting up of centralized facilities and centers equipped with expensive equipment considered unaffordable by manufacturers. Eg. State of the Art Electronic Faceting Equipment, Casting Machines, Laser Soldering Machines, Alloy Plating Machines, and Precision Electronic Drilling Machines.
Development Of Individual Entrepreneurship
Extension of Financial assistance via Gemstone Banks and provision of guarantees and recommendations to financial institutions. Facilitation of Buyer & Supplier Quorums, Encouragement and Assistance extended in participation at Expositions, Assistance to procure financing of Large orders demanding huge sums of working capital requirements.
Close Governmental Support
Focused Monitoring of industry activity and extension of purposeful result oriented assistance whenever deemed necessary
Facilitation Of Cad (computer Aided Design) as a Readily Available Tool
Knowledge enhancement and Development of Student skills of at the grass root level on an Island Wide Basis with the view to set up facilities equipped with CAD(Computer Aided Design Facilities) to serve as a resourceful asset boosting the design potential and output of the industry.
Facilitation Of Scholarships for Outstanding Students
Establishment and encouragement of student demonstrating outstanding excellence in their design skills by way of Scholarships and financial assistance.
Facilitation Of Collaborative Programs To Make Happen Knowledge & Skill Transfer From Institutes To The Industry
Facilitation of uninterrupted Industry related Knowledge transfer via franchised educational programs with International & Local Universities inclusive of other Diploma & Degree Awarding Institutes to upgrade the knowledge and capability of conducting Internationally accepted casting, Laser Soldering, CAD, Metalogy (Rose Gold, Pink Gold etc) Alloy Making.
Grass Root Business Practice, Design Improvement And Production Encouragement At Sme Level
Furtherance of the regular on going activity granting numerous reliefs and discounts inspiring the business level enhancement of SME category encouraging their participation at International and Local Exhibition. Provision of Free stalls at Local Exhibitions, Locally held International Congresses, as well as part sponsorship of International Exhibition participation costs of the SME sector.
Traditional Mining Of Gemstones
Mining of Gemstones is indeed one of Sri Lanka’s significant employment generating sectors employing almost 325,000 individuals. The regulation of the Employer - Employee covenant to expedite Fair & Just employment with concurrent Social responsibility is an uncompromised primary task of the National Gem and Jewellery Authority.
Numerous techniques and Methodology is deployed by the Gemstone Mining Community to extract various minerals including gemstones embedded beneath the ground. The Technique selection process depends upon multiple variables of the Mineral. The Type, Disposition, Pattern, Location, Environment are decisive factors which influence the type of technical deployment and applicable methodology.
The mining process commences at an auspicious time followed by a brief religious ceremony. Vertical Burrow Pit Drilling & Horizontal Tunnel Through technique remains the most popular method is mining. Alternative methods such as Surface Gemming and Riverbed Dredging are also adopted depending on the nature and the Geological structure and location of the Gemstone deposit.
Gemstones are generally concentrated in a layer of coarse pebble like material swamped with clay and fine sand. The ore or the ‘Gem Gravel’ which in the local mining layman’s terms is referred to as the ‘Illama’ in Sinhala the National language. The Illama can usually be discovered below alluvial and sedimentary deposits.
Traditional gemstone mining pits are shallower and circular when the “Illama” is close to the surface. However, the deeper pits are constructed to rectangular shape reinforced with scaffolding made of planks and staves. The space between the staves and earth is expertly lined with leaves and other material to prevent the wall from collapsing.
The water seepage is pumped out either with the use of buckets and mechanical or fuel driven pumps. The option of Horizontal Tunneling is expedited to reach Horizontal Illam Veins situated within the proximity of the vertical drill pit. Traditionally the ore or the Gemstone Gravel embedded in the Illam is excavated with the use of Crowbars (Alvan’s Hoe) while Mamoties , Wooden Blades known as “Poruwa” inclusive of Cane Baskets are used for river dredging and gravel sieving.
Traditional mining is generally done manually on a small scale. Regrettably, traditional mining, would only allow the recovery of the Illam within the mine and tunnel while the balance remains undiscovered within the deep embowels of the earth.
Mechanized Mining Of Gemstones
The inestimable celestial blessing of Gemstone deposits in Sri Lanka are mainly concentrated in the Sabaragamuwa Province (A Political Jurisdiction located South Western of Central Province), Uva Province (A Political Jurisdiction located South Eastern of Central Province) and Southern provinces. Alluvial deposits (Gem gravel) located at depths below 20-25 ft, require mechanized mining application.
However, The Geographical positioning and the Mountainous terrain of these provinces stifles the prospects of large-scale machinery assisted Gemstone mining. Equipment Machinery such as bulldozers, Drilling machines, Aircompressors, Excavators, Backhoes, Loaders, Dump trucks, Conveyer Belts and Heavy water pumps are known to be deployed for this purpose.
These machines have facilitated Gemstone mining in large areas in short periods of time. Mechanized mining yields the time efficient exploitation of mineral resources inclusive of the labor related economies of scale. Commercially efficient Mechanized mining delivers a rich yield from the excavated Illam of large areas within a short period of time.
Environmental Accountability & Return Of Mining Pithead To Mother Nature
Gemstone Mining in whatever form impacts the Ecological Equilibrium, The Natural habitat as well as the immediate Environment of the site location. The critical importance of the topsoil for Seed germination, Rejuvenation of vegetation & and even crop cultivation is indeed a societal responsibility indoctrinated upon all industrialists engaged Gemstone Mining.
Furthermore, the secondary soil layer of clay is the imperative soil stratum constituent critically important for the geological water table equilibrium. The water table in certain mining locations of Elahera is aslo was 6ft demanding a combination of mining technology engagement.
Post mining restoration of the site to its original form remains an uncompromised prerequisite governing the issuance of Mining Licenses by the NGJA. The NGJA as a Dynamic Government Authority as well and an efficient subsidiary of the Ministry of Environment & Renewable Energy unwaveringly pursues this societal and environmental accountability with no reserve.
Varieties Of Gemstones Found In Sri Lanka
Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, Ruby, Star Sapphire, Star Ruby, Yellow Sapphire, Orange Sapphire, Padparadscha, White Sapphire, Geuda.
Interplanetary Influence & Beneficial Effect Of Gemstones
It is widely believed that the adornment of a ring or any piece of Jewellery with the nine stones referred to a “Navaratna” (Nava for Nine & Rathna for Gemstones) symbolizing the nine planets of the universe is believed to deflect and repel malefic influences such as misfortune, calamity, adversity and disaster to usher in affluence & prosperity composed with celestial magnanimity upon the wearer.
The Gemmological Foot Print Of Srilanka
Ratnapura - Gem City Of Sri Lanka
Rathnapura is regarded as the Provincial capital of Sabaragamuwa Province (A Political Jurisdiction located South Western of Central Province). The city of Ratnapura has been is rich in the harvesting of Gemstones and Jewels for over 3000 years.
The seemingly endless Gemstone yield continuum of the city is recorded in the Holy Bible where Kind Solomon enticed and allured the Queen of Sheba with exotic Jewels from the Serendib as Sri Lanka was referred to during the ancestral times. The globally accepted and acknowledge chronicles and the souring heritage of the Gem rich city was instrumental in naming the city as Ratnapura which is an amalgamation of the words ‘Ratna’ (Gems) and ‘Pura’ (City).
The City is ostensibly rich and is a crucial hub of the Sri Lankan Gemstone & Jewellery industry. The blessed City is seemingly abundant in Sapphires, Rubies, Cat’s-eyes, Alexandrite’s inclusive of a mesmerizing splendor of a multitude of magnificently precious gemstones.
Faceting And Polishing Of Gemstones
The traditional method of gemstone faceting was carried out through traditional artistry and skilled heritance of a selected few by the use of the ‘Hanaporuwa’ or the Bow Cutting Method by the Gemstone and Jewellery industry of Sri Lanka.
However, the commercial demands and the fastidious needs of the international markets has proven the inefficiency of the method to demand the application of computer assisted precision technology. As such the industry finally adopted the Professionalism and the Flawless Precision of Japanese technology which was proven to be a “Cut Above The Rest” in comparison to offers of technology made by other nations.
The engagement of Japanese Technology together with the natural flair for Gemstone Faceting inherent in the Sri Lankan community has catalysed the Sri Lanka’s recognition as the undoubted World’s best source in FREE SIZE CUTTING, CALIBRATED CUTTING AND PRECISION CUTTING of Coloured Gemstones inclusive of Diamonds.
Value-added Services
Heat Treatment of Gemstones
The Heat treatment of Gemstones with the purpose to Enhance, Augment & Heighten their colour brilliance and clarity has been a practice which is as old as the Gemstone industry in Sri Lanka. During early days, rubies with a touch of blue or a sapphire with a brownish tint were heated with the aid of a charcoal hearth and a blow-pipe to purge out the colour murkiness and disturbance to enhance their colour grandeur.
The Blow Pipe Heat Treatment
Image of Blow Pipe Gemstone Heating Method
The use of charcoal hearth with a blow - pipe to heat treat corundum is now and obsolete practice very seldom used in the industry. The ancient method is known to consume as well as demand commercially unviable elongated work hours lacking of room temperature control whilst inopportunely being devoid of a predictable outcome.
Gem Testing Laboratory
The NGJA’s Gemmological Laboratory in 1972 has been the lynchpin of the industry which had been instrumental in endorsing buyer confidence in the Gemstones purchased in Sri Lanka. The yeomen service rendered by the Internationally trained & qualified Gemmologist employed by the facility has not only earned the respect and admiration of the International Buyer community but has also been the anchored foothold of the Industry that has expedited the certification needed for the commendable international exploits of the Gemstone trading community.
The instrumentation of the facility has been regularly upgraded to meet the benchmarked international expectations. The facility currently provides free certifications and authentications of Gemstones to foreign Nationals as well as Certifications to the local traders at a nominal fee.
These services are committedly provide to the industry via several branches of the NGJA Gemmological Laboratory situated in the Head office located at no 25, Galle Face Terrace Colombo 3, Regional Office in Rathnapura as well as the Laboratory located in the NGJA Gem & Jewellery Exchange at the World Trade Centre , Echelon Square Colombo 1.
Licensing Services
A professional licensing service for the many functional industrial attributes is facilitated by the NGJA as its integrated regulatory mandate incorporated into its commission. Several regulated, criteria censored, purpose driven and industry benevolent Licenses are issued by the NGJA to individual companies and individuals who are engaged in the industry.
The engagement in and industry related commercial or non-commercial activity without the validated licensing from the NGJA would surmount to criminal activity punishable by the penal code of Sri Lanka.
Licenses for Gem mining, License for Gem cutting, & License for Gem trading License for Gem auctions are offered by the NGJA to the industry. The regional offices of the NGJA functionally situated at Ratnapura, Eheliyagoda, Naula, Monaragala, Matara and Colombo regulate and monitor the above activities in their respective regions.
Enforcement officers vested with the authority and jurisdiction to apprehend inclusive of arresting errant and unauthorised industry related activity are located in the regional divisions of the NGJA located at Nivitigala, Pelmadulla, Embilipitiya, Lunugala, Akuressa, Rakwana, Horana and Norwood.
The Precious Metal Assaying Office
The internationally accredited Precious Metal Assaying Office fully equipped with modern instrumentation is located at the Head office of the NGJA situated in No. 25, Galle Face Terrace, Colombo 3 provides the following services via the engagement of internationally qualified Metalogists with an aptitude to issue benchmarked assaying certifications of international acceptance.
The Globally accepted certification has indeed been a tremendous asset to the international as well as local business exploits of the Jewellery Manufacturing community which have gained international acceptance for their products. The Facility is fully equipped to provide the following Precious Metal Assaying Certifications and Services to the industry.
1. Analysis of items of jewellery made of precious metals (Gold, Silver, Platinum Group Metals And Their Alloys)
2. Precious Metal Hall MarkingFacility.
3. Standardisation of jewellery Items & Ornaments made of precious metal.
4. Issuance of valuation certificates for personal jewellery.
5. Consultancy on precious metal alloys and related problems, and provision training facilities.
Jewellery Industry Of Sri Lanka
The Jewellery Industry of Sri Lanka is constituent of a rich and ancestral heritage which has earned itself an illustrious Global recognition & positioning in the International Market place for its exotic design craftsmanship and its enormously fashionable ethnicity.
This global recognition has contributed towards the establishment of considerable demand for the Jewellery in fastidious, demanding and fashion conscious countries such as Japan, Germany, USA, UK, Singapore and Hong Kong. Since the beginning of the industry, special craftsmen have passed down their skills and expertise from generation to generation to transform Sri Lanka as the undisputed source of exotic Jewellery second to no other.
Currently, modern jewellery is mainly manufactured in state-of-the-art factories using computers and machinery for designing, model making and casting. Handmade jewellery is still available in the market and can be purchased for an extravagant price.
The entire industry consisted of small-scale producers whose capacities were limited and were unable to meet the demand until recently. However, with increased facilities and concessions from the Board of Investment, large - scale manufacturing concerns are venturing into manufacturing jewellery to meet the overseas demands.
Congress Committee Announces Golf & Tennis Tournament
Golf and Tennis will also play an integral part of the sporting events, one of Sri Lanka’s leading Golf clubs, The Royal Colombo Golf Club will host the Golf Tournament and the Tennis Tournament will be played at Cinnamon Grand Hotel Tennis Courts.
2015 Congress Announced At 24th Annual Facets Gem & Jewellery Show, Sri Lanka
4th September 2014. The 2015 Congress Committee launched the promotional video and informational brochure for the 16th ICA Congress at the opening ceremony of the ‘FACETS Sri Lanka International Gem & Jewellery Show’. The annual event proved an ideal opportunity for the launch announcement with over 150 stall holders and over 100 international buyer delegations attending the show from across the world. Registrations for the congress commenced at the ICA Stall at the event.
Congress Committee Announces Cricket Tournament
Golf and tennis are the usual sporting events at ICA Congresses. However following numerous requests from overseas members and to celebrate the fact that Sri Lanka is a great cricketing nation, the host country is planning a cricket tournament as part of the fun events in the run-up to the congress. The tournament will be held on May 16th at a cricketing venue in Colombo.
Congress Overview & Agenda
The 2015 Congress will feature presentations by leaders and experts in the Gem Industry as well as a series of special events that promise to make this a truly valuable and unique experience.
• 15th to 18th May: Facets Gem Show, Cinnamon Grand Hotel, Colombo
• 16th to 19th May: ICA Congress, Cinnamon Grand Hotel, Colombo
• 16th May: Tennis, Golf & Cricket Tournaments
• 16th May: Ice-breaker cocktail and dinner at the Oak Room, Cinnamon Grand Hotel
• 17th May: Cocktails , dinner and live entertainment on the historic terrace of the Mount Lavinia Hotel
• 18th May: Sri Lanka theme night including procession (perehara) around picturesque Beira Lake, culminating at Park Street Mews for lively street party
• 19th May: Gala dinner at Cinnamon Grand Hotel
• 20th to 26th May: Mine Tour - Dambulla, Kandy, Ratnapura, Hikkaduwa
• Spouse Tour program in Colombo and Galle
Special ICA Congress Gem Show
A spectacular gem trade show will run from May 15th to 18th at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel. More than 50 companies, carefully curated by an expert selection panel, will showcase an amazing array of gemstones and jewellery from all over the world. The show is organized as a special FACETS Sri Lanka Congress edition, and has been planned to ensure maximum exposure and business opportunities for all Congress attendees.
Post Congress Mine Tour
Wednesday, May 20th To Tuesday May 26th, 2015
An elaborate 7-day tour to Sri Lanka’s renowned sapphire mines in the Ratnapura and Elahera areas plus visits to her cultural heritage sites and locations of extreme beauty commence on May 20, 2015. The tour will include; mine visits to the Ratnapura and Elahera gem fields; gem mining in the picturesque central hills; river mining in Seethawaka and the Eraniyawa project on the Kalu Ganga (river). Visits to the two famous gem markets in Ratnapura and Beruwela are part of the experience.
Post Congress Mine Tour
Wednesday, May 20th To Tuesday May 26th, 2015
The mine tour is interspersed with stops at UNESCO's spectacular world heritage sites: Sigiriya, the 5th century palace in the sky with amazing gardens and wall paintings; the sacred city of Kandy; the golden temple at Dambulla and the picturesque Dutch Fort town of Galle. In addition a visit to the scenic hills and tea gardens of Nuwara Eliya and a west coast beach experience are included in the tour.
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