Colombo Gem Show from May 18

SRI LANKA'S Premier International Gem and Jewellery Trade Fair will be held from May 18 to 21 at the BMICH Colombo for the second consecutive year. This year's the Show has been listed in Sri Lanka's International calendar of events.

"With the resounding success of the debut event last year the organisers are planning to make this year's event truly international with an increased number of participants and visitors from overseas," an official of the organizing committee of the show said.

One of the salient features of the first show was that it was open to local visitors. "Sri Lankan traders are gaining the experience in participating International trade fairs and exhibitions overseas and the industry welcome local exhibitions."

The show is conducted under the guidance of an Advisory Board consisting of trade, industry organisations and nominees from relevant government bodies.

The Minister of Enterprise Development and Investment promotion has already issued directives to the Ministry officials, National Gem and Jewellery Authority and the Export Development Board in this regard.

"Traders who participated at last year's show are very enthusiastic and have shown a keen interest in the event," covenor of the Colombo Show, Tennekone Rusiripala, said.

Organisers are planning to solicit the cooperation of the Foreign Ministry and the Tourism Ministry to give the widest publicity to the fair and attract many visitors from overseas.

The newly formed association of Gem and Jewellery industry are the co-sponsors of the Colombo Show.