Editor’s Note
While tea remains Sri Lanka’s most iconic export, the nation’s diamond, gem, and jewellery sector is a significant contributor, accounting for 3% of total exports in 2023. This article highlights the industry’s global reach, with key markets including Israel, Switzerland, and the United States.
In 2023, diamonds, gems, and jewellery made up 3% of Sri Lanka’s exports, which is significant considering that one of Sri Lanka’s most celebrated exports, tea, made up 9% of exports. The top five countries Sri Lanka exported diamonds, gems, and jewellery to were Israel, Switzerland, the United States, India, and Thailand, as per a 2023 report by Sri Lanka’s Export Development Board.
Questions can thus be raised about how global conflict and tariffs are affecting the country’s gem and jewellery industry as well as how the industry aims to mitigate this impact. ‘Jewels’, an upcoming exhibition by the Gemmologists Association of Sri Lanka in collaboration with the National Gem and Jewellery Authority of Sri Lanka, is seen as a platform that could help the industry overcome any challenges and strengthen Sri Lanka’s place in the global gem and jewellery market.
‘Jewels 2025’ is set to take place at Colombo Lotus Tower from 12-14 December, with the event’s competition segment recognising fine crystal specimens, the best fashioned gem, lapidary art, gem-set jewellery, photography, and the best recreation of traditional Sri Lankan jewellery.
As the organisers prepare for the event, Gemmologists Association of Sri Lanka President Samitha Liyanage, who is a USA and UK qualified gemmologist, spoke to *The Daily Morning* about how ‘Jewels’ provides a platform to connect local traders and gemmologists with the international market.
I’m a consultant gemmologist, microphotographer, and currently the President of the Gemmologists Association of Sri Lanka (GASL). My journey in gemmology began at a very young age, deeply influenced by my parents, both of whom are accomplished gemmologists. My father, in particular, served as the Director Valuation/Gemmology at the National Gem and Jewellery Authority, and his dedication to the field left a lasting impression on me.
From childhood, I was fascinated by gems and the hidden beauty within gemstones, especially inclusions, which I often describe as the ‘inner worlds’ of gems. That curiosity gradually transformed into a professional calling. I began my formal career in gemmology in 2009, after completing the Diploma in Gemmology (DGem [SL]) offered by the Gemmologists Association of Sri Lanka. Since then, my path has combined scientific exploration, visual storytelling through microphotography, and a strong commitment to education and industry leadership.
What continues to draw me to this industry is the blend of science, art, culture, and natural wonder.
The Gemmologists Association of Sri Lanka is the country’s foremost professional body dedicated to the advancement of gemmological science and the upliftment of Sri Lanka’s globally respected gem and jewellery industry. Established in 1970, GASL is the only government-recognised professional association in gemmology. It is a non-profit association and we’ve been at the forefront of education, research, and ethical trade practices for over five decades.
Our mission is to provide leadership through professionalism, uphold the highest industry standards, and ensure that Sri Lanka’s gem sector continues to thrive in both traditional and modern contexts.
GASL plays a vital role in supporting the industry in several key ways. We offer the DGem (SL), an internationally benchmarked professional qualification aimed at producing skilled gemmologists equipped for the global market.
Our annual ‘Jewels’ exhibition has grown into an international platform that promotes Sri Lankan gems, celebrates craftsmanship, and connects local traders with global buyers, and we promote academic research and innovation through initiatives like the Gemmologists Association Research Symposium (GARS).
Through knowledge-sharing programmes, field visits, workshops, and collaborations with universities and government bodies, we help keep professionals updated with scientific and industrial advancements.
We also advocate for ethical sourcing, sustainability, and environmental responsibility, helping position Sri Lanka as a forward-thinking, responsible gem hub.
My journey with the Gemmologists Association of Sri Lanka began soon after I completed my Diploma in Gemmology in 2009. From the very beginning, I felt a strong sense of belonging to the association, not just as a member, but as someone eager to contribute meaningfully to its growth and impact.
Over the years, I have served in almost every key leadership role within the association, including executive committee member, assistant treasurer, treasurer, assistant secretary, secretary, president-elect, and now, president of GASL.
This progression allowed me to deeply understand the association’s inner workings – its strengths, challenges, and untapped potential. I’ve also been closely involved in organising our flagship ‘Jewels’ exhibition, helping transform it into an internationally recognised trade event.