8 December 2021 08:33 pm
The gemstone weighing 510 kg unearthed in Ratnapura a few months ago, was confirmed to be a star sapphire cluster following tests conducted by the Gübelin Gem Lab in Switzerland, State Minister Lohan Ratwatte said today.
He told Parliament that the Gübelin Gem Lab in Switzerland confirmed yesterday (7) evening that it was a star sapphire cluster.
In his reply speech at the committee stage debate of the State Minister of Gem and Jewellery related Industries, the Minister said steps would be taken to auction it at the Christie's auctions and get the maximum return for it.
He also said seven story Mahinda Rajapaksa International Gem Tower which began construction in Ratnapura last year would be opened next year.(Ajith Siriwardana and Yohan Perera)