Lanka should look at new gem markets

Sri Lanka should be converted to a jewellery value addition hub to service the entire region said Chairman, Falcon International M. J. M. Zurfick.

The veteran gem and jewellery marketer, with over 30 years experience in the industry says that the country should import raw gems and cut and polish in Sri Lanka and invite the buyers to purchase them in Sri Lanka.

"This will provide additional employment firstly to gem cutters and then many others involved in the industry," he said.

He also said that the Facets gem and jewellery exhibition that will be hosted in Colombo soon should be exploited to woo buyers and invitations should be extended to Australia, Canada and the Gulf countries.

Merchants who visit Sri Lanka in addition to purchasing finished stones will also spend money for other activities which would bring in additional foreign exchange.

As and when this proposal is marketed to the region and a proper infrastructure provided the gem sector would be able to move up to the third position by way of earnings.

Zurfick who was one of the key players to put Sri Lanka in the gem and jewellery map of Japan way back in the 1970' was of the opinion that the supply in Sri Lanka is on the decline. "New areas should be found to extract stones," he said.

Sri Lanka is already importing gems from Madagascar and new market has emerged from Tanzania. This is a better option for Sri Lanka as the market is new and only a few players are available.

The authorities should now capitalise on this opportunity and appoint competent personalities to represent the Government in Tanzania. "I am ready to offer my services free of charge for this purpose," he said.

He also said that more promotions should be done in the Gulf as there is a tremendous demand for Sri Lankan gems and jewellery.

He said that the recently concluded SAARC gem show gave the opportunity for the delegates to witness the world's second largest blue star sapphire and historic cats eye that were both exhibited for Prince Charles' Royal wedding.

The Sapphire was first brought to the Gem Corporation way back in the 1970's by the then Gem Corporation Chairman, Punchi Appuhami and subsequently first exhibited under the tenure of Leonard Gunawardane. (SS)