Gem Sri Lanka 2026 kicks off today

• Signals bigger global push for Sri Lanka’s gem trade

Gem Sri Lanka 2026 opens today at Shangri-La Colombo, marking a significant step up in scale and ambition for Sri Lanka’s gem and jewellery industry, as the country seeks to strengthen its standing in high-value exports and global trade networks.

Organised by the Ceylon Gem and Jewellery Traders Association, the country’s largest industry body with over 2,000 members, the three-day exhibition runs from January 7 to 9. It builds on the momentum of its first two editions. The move to Shangri-La reflects the exhibition’s rapid growth, with more than 100 world-class exhibitors confirmed, making this the largest presentation of coloured gemstones ever staged in Sri Lanka.

The industry organisers expect foreign buyers and trade professionals’ attendance to double this year, alongside a significantly expanded international audience. The scale-up comes as Sri Lanka seeks to reposition its traditional industries higher up the value chain, with gems and jewellery viewed as a sector that combines heritage with export competitiveness. 

The exhibition will be officially inaugurated by Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, underscoring the sector’s economic and cultural importance.

Gem Sri Lanka 2026 will feature an immersive showcase of premium sapphires and high-end coloured gemstones, alongside Gala 2026 – Brilliance and Beyond, a networking event aimed at connecting traders, international buyers and industry leaders.

The event will also see the launch of The Sapphire Legacy, a publication documenting Sri Lanka’s gemstone heritage, reinforcing the country’s long-standing reputation as one of the world’s most trusted sources of fine gemstones.