The government will create a special economic zone for the Gem and Jewellery sector, said Industries and Health Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana at the inauguration of the 30th edition of FACETS Sri Lanka, Asia’s premier gem and jewellery exhibition that opened at Cinnamon Grand on Saturday.
The Minister said that this will help the industry to work from one venue. Minister Dr. Pathirana explained that the country is imposing VAT and other taxes since the government too needs additional funding to pass this current difficult period.
“President Ranil Wickremesinghe who turned around the country within a space of one year ensures that the Sri Lankan economy is on an upward trend and the country is moving for better times ahead.”
The Minister said that they know that the Gem and Jewellery Sector too is going through turbulent times and appealed to them to be patient until this dark economic patch is cleared.
The Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Association (SLGJA), in collaboration with the National Gem and Jewellery Authority (NGJA) and the Export Development Board, is hosting this 30th edition of FACETS Sri Lanka.
The exhibition aims to showcase the country’s extraordinary collection to the world, drawing in reputed buyers from across the globe and features several pavilions that include the Gem Pavilion, Premier Jewellery Pavilion, Sapphire Masterpiece Pavilion, NGJA SME Pavilion, and the SLGJA Pavilion.
In addition, the Sustainability Pavilion will exhibit Sri Lanka’s 2500-year-old gem industry’s fascinating journey, spanning from its inception to the present day while the Masterpiece Pavilion will display unprecedentedly large gemstones and unique pieces, never before displayed elsewhere in the world.
Primary Industries State Minister Chamara Sampath Dassanayake, National Gem and Jewellery Authority (NGJA) Chairman Viraj De Silva, Export Development Board (EDB) Chairman Dr. Kingsley Bernard, SLGJA President Ajward Deen, and many others participated.
Text and Pictures Ruzaik Farook