Lankan gems to be popularized

Ridma DISSANAYAKE

Measures are to be taken by the National Gem and Jewellery Authority, to promote and popularize Sri Lankan gems in the international market before the end of this year. Basic plans to this effort are underway at present, National Gem and Jewellery Authority Director General Nimal Bandara said. Accordingly, plans are underway to visit Nambiya, Singapore and Malaysia after the Sinhala and Tamil New Year season to understand the background of these countries for the promotion of Sri Lankan gems, he said.

"There has been a good demand for Sri Lankan gems in those countries and we too are looking forward to establish gem exhibition centres in Nambiya, Singapore and Malaysia," the Director General said.

The current procedure has been insufficient to complete the demands for gems in the world and the Gem and Jewellery Authority is to take measure to make a systematic procedure with the aim of meeting international demands, Bandara stated.

The Director General said that in an effort to popularize Sri Lankan gems in the international market, the Authority has to play a vital role along with the embassies in these countries.

Accordingly, measures will be taken by the Gem and Jewellery Authority to promote Sri Lankan gems in the international market and to have the support from the embassies in those countries, he finally added.