The “Gem Sri Lanka 2027” was unveiled in Bangkok on 06 September 2026, bringing together key stakeholders to promote Sri Lanka’s gem and jewellery industry ahead of its fourth edition in January 2027. The launch was organised by the Ceylon Gem & Jewellery Traders Association (CGJTA).
The event was graced by the Chief Guest, Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development of Sri Lanka, Sunil Handunnethi, who delivered the keynote address. The Minister highlighted the importance of value addition, innovation and international collaboration in strengthening Sri Lanka’s gem and jewellery industry, as well as the significant opportunities for Sri Lanka–Thailand cooperation in gem cutting, processing, jewellery manufacturing, design, technology and international marketing.
The Minister further noted that Sri Lanka’s precious stones and centuries-old craftsmanship, together with Thailand’s globally recognised expertise in gemstone processing, jewellery manufacturing, design and international marketing, provided a strong foundation for deeper industry partnerships. He emphasised the potential to move beyond traditional trading relationships and strengthen cooperation through skills development, technology transfer, research and innovation.
Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Thailand, Wijayanthi Edirisinghe, participated in a panel discussion on “Strengthening Sri Lanka’s Gem & Jewellery Industry and Expanding Its Global Presence”, alongside Chairman of the National Gem and Jewellery Authority (NGJA) of Sri Lanka, Dr. S. P. Chaminda, and other industry leaders. The Ambassador highlighted Bangkok’s importance as a major international marketplace for gems and jewellery and the opportunities it offered Sri Lankan businesses to access international buyers, explore new markets and establish commercial partnerships. She also emphasised the importance of strengthening links among industry associations, entrepreneurs and businesses in Sri Lanka and Thailand to support the continued growth of the sector.
Sri Lankan exports to Thailand more than doubled in 2025, reaching over US$ 90 million from approximately US$ 41.6 million in 2024, with precious and semi-precious stones accounting for almost 70 per cent of Sri Lanka’s exports to Thailand.
“Gem Sri Lanka 2027”, scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka in January 2027, is expected to provide an important platform for international buyers, investors and industry stakeholders to explore Sri Lanka’s gem and jewellery sector and establish new business partnerships.
Sri Lanka hopes relationship with Pakistan will grow under new PM
Sri Lanka hopes its relationship with Pakistan will grow under newly elected Prime Minister?Imran Khan. Minister for Petroleum Resources Development Arjuna Ranatunga said he was proud that his close friend Imran Khan is going to be the new Prime Minister of Pakistan. He hoped that under the leadership of Imran Khan, Pakistan will flourish further and the relationship between Pakistan and Sri Lanka will take a new height. A reception was held on board the Pakistan Maritime Security Ship (PMSS)
CB extends suspension of primary dealership of Pan Asia Bank
The Monetary Board of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, acting in terms of the Regulations made under the Registered Stock and Securities Ordinance and the Local Treasury Bills Ordinance, has decided to extend the suspension of business and activities of a Primary Dealer of Pan Asia Banking Corporation PLC (PABC) for a period of six months with effect from 10.00 a.m. on 15th August 2018, in order to continue the investigations being conducted by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. The Central Bank said
Pacific island nations fear China after Sri Lanka debt crisis
Pacific island nations are discussing working together to lobby China to forgive mounting debts amid concerns Beijing may start seizing strategic assets, Tonga’s Prime Minister ‘Akilisi P?hiva said on Thursday, according to Reuters. Tonga, one of eight island nations in the South Pacific carrying significant debt to China, is due to start repaying loans next month after borrowing heavily in the aftermath of deadly riots in 2006 that destroyed large parts of its capital. China’s possession of a
Copyright © 2026 Colombo Gazette. All rights reserved.
Colombo Gazette is a leading news and entertainment website, covering stories related to Sri Lanka. The content consists of text based news, photos and videos and is linked to social media websites including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, to provide a wider coverage for its stories.
Loading comments…