The government aims to develop Ratnapura into a global hub for the gem and jewellery industry, Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Minister Sunil Handunnetti said on Monday (31).
He was speaking at the opening of the “Gem City Ratnapura 2026” international gem exhibition at the Grand Silver Ray complex in Ratnapura.
The three-day exhibition is being organised for the third consecutive year by the National Gem and Jewellery Authority (NGJA) and the Lanka Gem Dealers and Miners Association (LGDMA), with international investors and buyers from countries including the United States, China, Japan, Thailand, India and Spain attending.
Handunnetti said the government’s vision was to establish Ratnapura not only as a centre for locally mined gems but also as a global hub where imported gems could be value-added and exported to international markets.
He said the government expects the gem and jewellery industry to generate annual export revenue of $2 billion through value-added products.
Handunnetti also highlighted the need for environmental protection, greater participation and empowerment of women in the industry, increased transparency and higher levels of value addition to strengthen the international competitiveness of Sri Lankan gems.
Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath, delivering the keynote address, said the government would use Sri Lankan diplomatic missions overseas to expand international markets for sapphires and other Sri Lankan gems.
Herath said the government also planned to create international employment opportunities for local workers and attract foreign investment by linking the gem and jewellery industry with tourism.
The exhibition provides small and medium-scale entrepreneurs with opportunities to access international markets, according to the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development.
Sabaragamuwa Province Gov. Champa Janaki Rajaratne, MPs, NGJA Chairman Prof. S.P. Ratnayake, government officials and local and foreign entrepreneurs attended the opening. (Newswire)