President Ranil Wickremesinghe has expressed his commitment to propel significant advancements in Sri Lanka’s gem industry within the next two years.
According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), to achieve this goal, the President announced that he intends to implement a new program.
Emphasizing the program’s positive impact on both the national economy and industry stakeholders, the President highlighted plans for extensive modernization within the gem and jewellery sector.
Underlining the program’s positive impact on the national economy and industry stakeholders, the President not only stressed the importance of offering tax concessions but also highlighted the transformation of the gem and jewellery industry into a key contributor to the country’s foreign exchange earnings.
The President made the remarks during the opening ceremony of the “Gem Sri Lanka 2024” Gem and Jewellery Exhibition organized by the China Fort Gems and Jewellery Trade Association today (Jan 11).
The exhibition, hosted at the Bentota Cinnamon Bay Hotel, will run until January 13. President Wickremesinghe, inaugurating the event, actively participated in exploring trade stalls and engaging in friendly conversations with gem industrialists to better understand their challenges. The China Fort Gems and Jewellery Association presented a souvenir to the President during the occasion.
Addressing the ceremony, President Wickremesinghe emphasized the need for a new economic system in the country that is geared towards exports, aiming to generate foreign exchange and foster economic growth.
“Welcoming delegations from around the globe to this gathering is truly a pleasure. Beruwala, renowned as the hub for gems in Sri Lanka, takes pride in hosting this distinguished audience. Our special focus on advancing the gem industry reflects our commitment to its development, a sentiment echoed in my recent budget speech where I highlighted the formulation of a comprehensive policy framework.
In the forthcoming two months, diligent efforts are underway to craft this policy framework, signalling a significant stride toward the prosperity of our nation’s gem industry. Sri Lanka, with its vast potential in gems, stands poised for remarkable progress.
As Ian Fleming once immortalized diamonds by saying “diamonds are forever,” we proudly affirm that Sri Lanka’s gems, including the enduring sapphires, share a timeless legacy.
