International gem laboratory a reality soon
 

The opening ceremony of the European Gem TED Training Centre free school at Gane Aramba, Massala, Beruwala was held recently. Chairman, European Gem TED Training Centre Mark Doul Dr. M.Z.M. Nizar, President, China Fort Gem and Jewellery Traders Association and Indrasiri De Silva look on. Picture by B.M. Mukthar, Beruwala Spl. Corr.

A cheque for Rs. 92.49 million was handed over by Chairman/C.E.O., National Gem and Jewellery Authority (NGJA) Hasitha Tillekeratne to Director, Lanka Gemological Laboratory (Pvt) Ltd. Sheriff Rahuman being the fund collected from gem and jewellery exporters from January 1, 2001 to June 7, 2005.

This was the contribution by the exporters towards the establishment of a gem testing laboratory, fully equipped to examine and issue testing reports in accordance with international standards. The laboratory will be managed by Lanka Gemological Laboratory (Pvt) Ltd., of which N.G.J.A is a shareholder.

The lack of such a lab was a major setback for Sri Lanka all these years. Chairman/C.E.O., NGJA, Hasitha Tillekeratne said that the main equipment and expertise required for differentiating natural gems from heat-treated stones as well as identifying and certifying rare gem stones will be readily available after the establishment of the new laboratory.

He requested the cooperation of all Sri Lankan gem traders to ensure that this lab continues to meet international standards.

The Chairman said that the establishment of the international laboratory would help to save foreign exchange often spent by some local gem exporters in getting high value gems and heat-treated gems examined at overseas laboratories.