No support from tourism authorities

The local gem and jewellery sector yesterday said Sri Lanka Tourism has not extended support despite the repeated requests, which has to some extent impacted the promotion of the island nation’s precious stones.
FACETS Sri Lanka Chairman Altaf Iqbal noted that as the gem and jewelry sector contributes to helping lure international visitors to Sri Lanka for its high-quality stones, specially blue sapphires, a more collaborative effort is expected in promoting the event.

“We reached out even last year to the tourism authorities for support to help promote the exhibition, but sadly none was given. Why can’t they come on board for such events?
I urge them to do so, to come on board so that together we can promote our gems,” said Iqbal.