The Gem Diamond and Jewellery export sector has recorded an overall growth of 40per cent in U.S. Dollar terms as at end June 2012, earning a revenue of USD.64.17 Million in comparison with the corresponding figure of USD.45.78 Million in 2011. A detailed breakup is given below.
| 2011(Jan-June) (USD. Million) | 2012 (Jan – June) (USD. Million ) | Variance | |
| Gems | 45.78 | 64.17 | 40% |
| Service Cutting Sector | 0.80 | 1.28 | 61% |
| Jewellery | 8.94 | 12.44 | 39% |
| Diamonds | 163.71 | 220.66 | 35% |
| Others | 0.77 | 8.45 | |
| 220.00 | 307.00 | 39.5% |
The most significant growth is recorded by Jewellery Exports, where the benefit of total value addition is gained and the service cutting and Diamond manufacturing industries where Sri Lanka has proved the presence of a highly skilled workforce of Lapidarists and Diamond cutters. U.S.A., Thailand, Hong Kong, Switzerland, Italy, France, India, Malaysia, Singapore, China, Canada and Germany are among the top export destinations for Sri Lankan gems and Jewellery.
Today we are promoting our products in world class Trade Fairs and Exhibitions held in many countries such as the U.S.A., Japan, Hong Kong, Switzerland, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, China, India and France.
In order to showcase Sri Lanka’s unique gem and Jewellery product offering to the world, by paving a way to exports for local entrepreneurs, by building strong local and international trade linkages at every level of the industry, the National Gem and Jewellery Authority has come forward to be the principal sponsor of Facets Sri Lanka – 2012 to beheld from 5th to 8th September and the organizer of “Jewels Sri Lanka – 2012” scheduled to be held from 7th to 9th December 2012.
A Boost to the Gem & Jewellery Industry
Prasad Galhena, Chairman & C.E.O of National Gem and Jewellery Authority (NGJA) hails the directive issued by His Excellency the President, Mahinda Rajapakse, to Sri Lanka Customs aiming at further liberalizing the clearance of gems at the Bandaranayake International Airport.
According to this newly introduced scheme; inbound passengers would be allowed to clear rough or cut & polished gemstones; brought in by them on payment of a Service Fee of USD 200/- to Sri Lanka Customs at the Air Port it self. This proactive directive would undoubtedly benefit the gem and jewellery sector by enabling the stakeholders to procure gem material from other producing countries at competitive rates and bring them to Sri Lanka for value addition and re-export.
The strengths and opportunities position Sri Lanka well to pursue further development of the gem and jewellery industry and make feasible the vision of (NGJA) of creating Sri Lanka in to a Centre for coloured gemstones. This initiative would enable buyers to procure all varieties of gems not found in Sri Lanka.
