Govt. to introduce stable policies to boost gem and jewellery exports: PM

15 August 2025 07:40 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 7 Bookmark

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Colombo, August 15 (Daily Mirror) - Although Sri Lanka has gained international recognition for its gems and jewellery, exports have yet to grow to the expected level, and the government is working to establish stable policies to capture a greater share of the global market, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said.

She made these remarks while inaugurating Gem City Ratnapura – 2025, organised by the National Gem and Jewellery Authority with the aim of positioning Sri Lanka among the world’s leading gem and jewellery markets. The exhibition showcases a wide variety of gemstones, mining and processing techniques, laboratory services, as well as training and educational opportunities in the sector.

Highlighting Ratnapura’s global reputation as a source of high-quality gems, the Prime Minister noted that the district’s contribution to the national economy is significant but not fully realised. “Inconsistent policies have hindered the industry’s growth. The government is committed to creating the stable framework needed to achieve ambitious export revenue goals,” she said, expressing gratitude to representatives from the United States, India, China, Switzerland, Thailand, and Pakistan for participating in the event.

Minister of Industry and Enterprise Development Sunil Handunnetti said several new policies are being prepared to help the sector reach the challenging target of USD 1 billion in export revenue. These include developing the diamond sector and introducing laws to allow the direct export of rough gemstones.

The event also marked the launch of Sri Lanka’s first government-owned gem and jewellery trade website — www.gemcityratnapura.com — equipped with the latest GOV PAY facility.

Among those present were the Chief Incumbent of Sri Pada, Ven. Bengamuwe Dhammadinna Thero; Deputy Minister of Industry and Enterprise Development Chathuranga Abeysinghe; Sabaragamuwa Province Governor Champa Janaki Rajaratne; Members of Parliament representing the district; political authorities; Secretary to the Ministry of Industry and Enterprise Development Thilaka Jayasundara; senior government officials; business representatives from the sector; and other distinguished guests.

Comments - 7

james Friday, 15 August 2025 08:32 PM

all talk no action

1 17

Periyalingam Saturday, 16 August 2025 01:04 PM

Beautiful life for the rich is now their motto.

3 3

Asela Jayampathy Friday, 15 August 2025 08:34 PM

The Hon Prime Minister, First list the existing policies Next let the public, the local gem merchants and their current and potential customers know what those stable new policies you are going to implement? As a frequent flyer to Thailand, China, Japan and South Korea l see a sizable number of Gem merchants on our flights carrying gems in their pockets neatly folded in paper bags to show their potential clients in those countries. Talk is cheap. Show us what you can do. That's why we the people voted you in.

0 15

Cassie Friday, 15 August 2025 10:41 PM

Somehow, when the government says they will do something it is always incomplete or dysfunctional. Maintaining a simple website is impossible. Never mind that. They don't even answer the phones! Can't expect anything much beyond empty words.

0 6

Namal W Friday, 15 August 2025 11:01 PM

What is the point having an exhibition in Rathnapura. The exhibition should be held overseas representing the Sri Lanka Gem industry. Maybe China, United States, India and London, or Dubai. The poor Sandhunhetti and prime-minister Harini are not going to buy any gems. Just a tamasha to attract cheap popularity to show that they are doing something when they are not doing much. Then website launched was also very poor and it was about the exhibition. Shouldn't we have a gems portal that connects buyers and suppliers. I guess they are not knowledgeable as people who could do real business.

0 6

Dr Tissa Fernando Sunday, 17 August 2025 05:38 AM

During MR time, they built a special shopping complex like those found in Thailand for tourists. During that time tourist busses were brought in and there was good business. But Yahapalana government has given no importance to it and they stopped tourist busses from going there too. These NPP guys are only talking about all negative stuff. The exhibition should have been held in that complex. Wonder what they are planning to do .

0 0

Gunapala Saturday, 16 August 2025 06:59 AM

We don't need more policies. We need actions to ease burdens on export industries.

0 7

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