The Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Association (SLGJA) is the leading voice for the industry in Sri Lanka. SLGJA is a private sector organisation that aims to represent all industry sub sectors. Formed in October 2002, the association’s main goal was to unite the industries’ top four Trade Associations:
SLGJA is the apex industry body for Gem and Jewellery in Sri Lanka, bringing together all sectors of the industry from miners, manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, exporters, lapidarists, heat-treaters and many more.
In the 2003 Budget, the Government of Sri Lanka declared SLGJA as the Apex industry body, awarding the organization with a leadership role to formulate industry policies by proposing and then implementing strategies to increase productivity and competitiveness that will place Sri Lanka as a forerunner on a global stage.
SLGJA has a close relationship with the National Gem & Jewellery Authority and the Sri Lanka Export Development Board to advocate national policy as well as provide expert input towards the industry’s regulatory framework
At SLGJA we believe that being conscious when it comes to mining and sourcing local gems is vital. Therefore we encourage our members to help us create an industry that ensures all gems are responsibly mined, processed fairly and most importantly sourced in an environmentally and community friendly way.
With over 250 members who account for over 75 percent of Sri Lanka’s Gem and Jewellery exports SLGJA is effectively working towards shaping the future of the industry.
The Sri Lankan Gem and Jewellery industry is proud to have achieved a number of significant milestones from its inception. SLGJA is pleased to report that the import and export of Gems and Jewellery now take place with the minimum bureaucratic controls and we hope you enjoy the benefits of our efforts.
As a result of the vigorous canvassing to the Government and its authorities SLGJA witnesses a more trade friendly attitude by them and for this we are grateful. The members of the EXCO committees during the past years sacrificed their valuable time and devoted much efforts towards achieving these goals. Our thanks go out to the Ratnapura and Beruwala Associations for joining us in all these efforts and we hope that this cooperation will continue to grow from strength to strength.
SLGJA was faced with a bigger challenge in the form of the Covid-19 virus that has affected the entire world, resulting in a 3 month lockdown in Sri Lanka and bringing international trade and travel to a grinding halt. The new government, in consultation with SLGJA and regional associations decide on a variety of policy measures that have been made to boost the export potential of the industry.
The Gem and Jewellery industry was badly affected owing to the ongoing Covid pandemic. Many meetings were held with HE the president, Ministers and other Government representatives and the following were achieved, incentives obtained together with solutions to long standing issues that affected the industry.
Sri Lanka hails as one of the world’s distinguished gem suppliers; celebrated for the large variety of valuable gemstones it provides to the global industry. The island was famously known as “Rathna Deepa” in Sanskrit meaning the island of jewels. Home to a variety of diverse and incredible gemstones, Sri Lanka is an island of treasures, renowned for its collection of high- quality Ceylon Sapphires as well as a host of precious and semi-precious jewels. Sri Lanka produces a variety of stones from Blue, Yellow, Pink and Orange Sapphires to Rubies, Padparadscha, Chrysoberyl Cat’s Eyes, Alexandrite, Star Sapphires, Garnets, Zircons, Tourmalines, and Spinals.
The rich heritage of Sri Lanka’s gem industry dates back to the times of Marco polo who claimed “I want you to understand that the island of Ceylon is, for its size, the finest island in the world, and from its streams comes Rubies, Sapphires, Topazes, Amethysts and Garnets.”
Amongst the mesmerizing gemstones the country produces, Sri Lanka is best known for the “Ceylon Sapphire”. The Blue Sapphires originating from Sri Lanka are known for their distinctive characteristics – their unique colour, clarity and exceptional quality. A number of famous blue sapphires are part of the monarchies crown jewels, as well as housed in museums around the world. This small island nation is one of the top five most important gem providers in the world.
As Chairman of the SLGJA, it is mine and my committee’s intention to uplift the Gem and Jewellery industry of Sri Lanka in a holistic and sustainable manner. And to that end, we have developed a comprehensive plan in collaboration with industry stakeholders to promote and market our Gems and Jewellery products extensively to a global audience.
Sri Lanka is world-famous for its precious stones. Over many decades, the country has produced some of the most iconic and stunning gems that have lined the accessories of Royalty and adorned International designer brands the world over. My focus as Chairman is to ensure that all areas of the local industry—from gem mining and lapidary services to jewellery manufacturing and retail are well represented in the global arena. And to remind the world of Sri Lanka’s legacy as a sought-after destination for the world’s finest Gems and Jewellery.
As the Government recognised, apex body of the Gem and Jewellery industry in Sri Lanka, we are committed to lobbying for the rights and best-interests of all stakeholders within the industry. SLGJA is also focused on encouraging and inspiring our next generation of leaders to take the reins of Sri Lanka’s Gem and Jewellery industry to greater heights. To achieve these aims, we have established training programs and educational courses to provide the tools and knowledge necessary to build a career in lapidary, as well as to preserve our gem-cutting skills for which Sri Lanka has been world renowned for decades.
With the support and guidance of my committee, I look forward to cementing Sri Lanka’s status as a global hub for Gems and Jewellery, and to ensure the longevity of our industry, as well as its many facets—from mining and manufacturing to lapidary and export services.
Thank you,
Ajward Deen
Chairman
SRI LANKA GEM & JEWELLERY ASSOCIATION.