Gems including star sapphire cluster vye for auction in China: Lohan

A large number of gemstones including the world's largest star sapphire cluster found recently from the Pelmadulla area in Ratnapura will be put up for auction in Shanghai, China, Gems and Jewellery State Minister Lohan Ratwatte said.

He said the country would also obtain foreign exchange through auctioning the gems. The Gems and Jewellery auction and the exhibition to be held on November 5. As instructed by the President, a special flight will be assigned to take the gemstones to Shanghai, he said.

The tour will include five major businessmen in the country and all other gem clusters, the State Minister said.

"Our country is currently receiving less foreign exchange and therefore, the President has given a target of bringing one billion dollars annually. Another Gems and Jewellery auction and exhibition is scheduled to be held in Dubai in January. The Ministry is hoping to participate in the Dubai exhibition to bring foreign exchange. These gem clusters are worth for museum purposes and for collectors. We cannot say the actual value of those gem clusters. However, we have given a value indication for them. If the auction reaches the anticipated value, we can close the deal," State Minister Ratwatte said. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)