GUILD Joins as Platinum Sponsor to Strengthen Global Gemstone Sourcing Connections
Gem Sri Lanka2026 is poised to mark a defining moment in the country’s Gem and Jewellery industry when it takes place on 7,8 and 9 January,2026, at the iconic Shangri-La Colombo.
GEM SRILANKA is organized by the Ceylon Gem and Jewellery Trades Association(CGJTA) is the largest trade in the Gem and Jewellery industry in Srilanka with over 2000 members.GUILD joins as a Platinum Sponsor, supporting this extraordianary gemstone journey.
A Strategic Move Driven by Scale and Significance
With over 100 top-notch world-class exhibitors confirmed,GEM SRILANKA 2026 is expected to become the largest presentation of the Colored Gemstones in the history of Srilanka underscoring the momentum that this event has gained over a short span of time and the collective strength of the world class exhibitors of GEM SRILANKA.
This year, the exhibition anticipates double the football of foreign buyers and trade professionals,together with a significantly expanded international audience,reaffirming SriLanka’s position as one of the world’s most trusted and admired sources of finest Gemstones.The move to Shangri-La Colombo reflects the remarkable growth of the exhibition.
Distinguished Inauguration and a Historic Milestone
Adding further prestige , the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Honorable Dr Harini Amarasuriya will grace the event as Chief Guest at the official inauguration,highlighting the national importance of the gem and Jewellery sector to the country’s heritage and economy.
This exhibition will showcase an exceptional collection of sapphires and premium colored gemstones. At the Gala 2026 dinner, “Brilliance · Beyond,” traders, international buyers, and industry leaders will come together to celebrate the gem trade in a glamorous way. The event will also mark the launch of The Sapphires legacy, a publication that covering the legacy of Gemstones in SRI LANKA.
With its expanded scale, prestigious venue, distinguished leadership presence, and historic initiatives, Gem Sri Lanka 2026 represents more than an exhibition—it is a statement of confidence, heritage, and future promise.
As the world turns its attention to Colombo this January, Gem Sri Lanka 2026 is set to reaffirm Sri Lanka’s place at the pinnacle of the global gem trade.
Sri Lanka — the Island of Gemstones
Sri Lanka has long been recognized as one of the most important origins in the global gemstone trade. For many professionals across Asia-Pacific markets, gemstones traded today may have originated from Sri Lanka’s riverbed deposits, or passed through the country for cutting, polishing, and international circulation.
Referred to in ancient Sanskrit texts as the “Island of Gems,” Sri Lanka has maintained its relevance in the global gemstone industry for over 2,500 years. From historic maritime trade routes to its current role as a key colored gemstone supply center, the country remains a trusted origin for sapphire, chrysoberyl, alexandrite, spinel, and other high-value gemstones.
As one of the earliest participants in the Belt and Road Initiative, Sri Lanka continues to offer a business-friendly environment for Asian buyers, particularly those from Greater China and Southeast Asia. In recent years, the country has further strengthened its position by integrating rough stone sourcing from Africa and Southeast Asia with local cutting expertise, establishing itself as an efficient and reliable global colored gemstone transit hub.
Geological Strength and Strategic Location
Sri Lanka’s gemstone production is underpinned by exceptional geological conditions. More than 70 gemstone varieties have been identified across the country, with approximately 90% of the landmass located on Precambrian metamorphic rock formations known for gemstone occurrence.
Ratnapura, often referred to as the “City of Gems,” remains one of the world’s most productive gem-bearing regions, accounting for nearly one-third of Sri Lanka’s total gemstone output. The discovery of the famous “Star of India” sapphire further highlights the country’s historical and geological significance.
Geographically, Sri Lanka occupies a central position in the Indian Ocean, historically serving as a maritime link between Asia, Africa, and Europe. Since the removal of import duties on gemstone rough in 2013, Sri Lankan traders have increasingly sourced rough stones directly from African mining regions for local cutting and value addition. Regulatory updates in recent years, including strengthened testing and traceability systems under the National Gem and Jewellery Authority, have reinforced Sri Lanka’s role as a transparent and compliant trading destination.
Colombo: A Regional Hub for Gemstone Trade
As the capital and principal commercial port, Colombo serves as the operational center of Sri Lanka’s gemstone industry. More than half of the country’s gemstone exports are shipped through Colombo, and the city hosts a mature ecosystem of exporters, traders, laboratories, and international buyers.
Key trading areas such as the Pettah “Gem Street” provide an efficient wholesale environment for finished gemstones, while the historic Colombo Fort gem market continues to reflect the country’s long-standing gem trading culture.
Colombo’s proximity to major trading and mining centers further enhances its appeal. Beruwala’s gemstone trading markets are accessible within approximately 1.5 hours by road, while the Ratnapura mining region can be reached in about two hours, allowing buyers to efficiently connect sourcing, cutting, and trading activities within a single itinerary.
GUILD Participation as Platinum Sponsor
As the Platinum Sponsor of Gem Sri Lanka 2026, GUILD will participate with both a Gemological Laboratory Booth and a Gemology Education Booth, providing professional services and industry engagement opportunities for visitors.
In 2024, GUILD Gem Laboratory officially established operations in Sri Lanka, opening a dedicated laboratory at ChinaFort, Beruwala, one of the country’s most active gemstone trading centers. The laboratory supports both local and international clients with professional testing and research services.
During the exhibition, GUILD’s senior gemologists will offer 24–48 hour express testing services, including gemstone identification and treatment detection. Visitors may also preview a limited on-site release of
“Gemology Frontier — The 2025 GUILD China Colored Gemstone Market Report,”
which will be officially launched at the GUILD GALA on January 15, 2026. Discussions on market trends and reservations for the GALA online live broadcast will be available at the GUILD booth.
Introduction of GUILD Gemology Education
Gem Sri Lanka 2026 will also mark the debut of the GUILD Gemology Education Booth, presenting GUILD’s structured gemological education system and internationally oriented study programs.
Professional reference materials will be available on site, including gemstone color charts, English-language publications, and inclusion reference posters, supporting continued learning and professional development for industry participants.
With professional laboratory services, education resources, and industry insight, GUILD looks forward to engaging with Asia-Pacific and international gemstone professionals in Sri Lanka. Gem Sri Lanka 2026 will serve as a key meeting point for sourcing, knowledge exchange, and market connection across the global gemstone value chain.