By Hiran H.Senewiratne

The federal government’s lethargy in direction of the gem and jewellery sector prevented greater than US$ 1 billion in overseas change from coming into the nation per yr, a widely known gemologist stated.

“At present Sri Lanka’s gem and jewellery export revenue is lower than US$ 300 per yr, which may very well be developed to a US $ one billion business if the federal government adopted correct promotional strategies. Nevertheless, sure international locations, akin to Hong Kong, the place gems are usually not even out there, earn greater than US $ 35 billion per yr, whereas in Thailand it’s US$ 15 billion {dollars}, gemologist (FGG – (Germany) FEEG-Europe) Umesh Wariyapperuma stated.

Wariyapperuma stated that to double this goal they proposed to the Nationwide Gem and Jewellery Authority (SLGJA) to launch a particular on-line advertising and marketing system to promote gems and jewellery price lower than US$ 3,000 to worldwide patrons.

Wariyapperuma added: “To make sure the sleek circulate of this scheme we needed this scheme to be launched in collaboration with the Division of Posts and Sri Lanka Customs.

“With the launch of the net portal, extra alternatives can be out there for native gem exporters to get entry to the worldwide market and it’ll assist to double Sri Lanka’s overseas change earnings from the gem business within the first yr of its operation.

“At present Sri Lanka exports tough stones to Thailand and different international locations who in flip add worth to them and re-export them to world well-known jewelers and watch producers. This disadvantaged us of a useful alternative to promote our valuable stones at a excessive worth.

“We partnered with SLGJA for the Dubai Expo final yr and launched the ‘Sapphire Sri Lanka’ marketing campaign which was a serious success. Equally, the federal government with the help of the Sri Lankan embassies primarily based abroad ought to conduct comparable promotional occasions because the business wants direct authorities help for sapphire advertising and marketing and promotion campaigns.

“Sri Lanka Tourism too ought to play an lively position on this enterprise and in addition promote ‘Sri Lanka Gems’ throughout their world vacation spot advertising and marketing campaigns.

“If the federal government may launch a few of these proposals Sri Lanka can simply attain the gem and jewellery export revenue goal of USD1 billion in lower than 18 months.

“Sri Lankan gem merchants too must be extra accountable and affordable when advertising and marketing gems at exorbitant costs. They need to solely promote real merchandise with out dishonest the shopper to earn a ‘fast buck’.

“Some patrons pay excessive costs and buy gems from some Kandy merchants and once they come to us they see the massive undue value distinction. Therefore, merchants too must be trustworthy and keep ethics in advertising and marketing as because of the sale of pretend gems and excessive costs our worldwide fame is tarnished.

“Gem patrons are suggested to supply the utmost value for gems discovered by gem miners as they undergo great hardships to extract them.

“My ambition can also be to start out a gem academy in order that younger individuals can get a sensible schooling on correct worldwide requirements and in addition advertising and marketing processes within the gem and the mining business.

“By way of my ‘Janamehewara Basis’ I’m personally concerned in a CSR program, offering books and college gear to youngsters of gem business miners.

“It’s stated Sri Lanka even provided gems to Queen Elizabeth’s crown and Princess Diana’s marriage ceremony ring and world well-known museums additionally show Sri Lankan gems. Nevertheless, sadly, we are able to’t even muster US$ 300 million export income from this commerce.”

Wariyapperuma who can also be the Managing Director / CEO at Ceylon Gem Merchants (Pvt) Ltd, arrange since 1977, stated that a number of world watch producers use gem stones for his or her merchandise.

He stated Sri Lanka ought to faucet this market as effectively and attempt to export on to watch-making corporations in Switzerland, Germany, Japan, Britain, and France with native worth addition.