Wijaya Gems and Wijaya Holiday Resort launch gem mining and cutting experiential tour in Ratnapura

Wijaya Gems has launched a Gem Mining and Cutting Experiential Tour for both international and local visitors in Ratnapura with the support of Wijaya Holiday Resort. The initiative has been designed under the vision of Pinsiri Wijepala, Chairman of Wijaya Gems and Wijaya Holiday Resort, and developed with input from internationally experienced tourism specialists. The programme offers visitors a chance to go beyond viewing gemstones as products. Guests are invited to see the processes and traditions that shape Sri Lanka’s gem industry. The tour includes a visit to a traditional gem mine, where participants can step into the world of miners and gain firsthand working experience. Visitors will also explore a local gem market and witness the lively trade that has thrived in the region for centuries. The final stop is at a lapidary, where stones are cut and polished. Guests will even have the opportunity to cut a gem stone on their own, adding a personal touch to the journey.

Apart from the tour, visitors can also enjoy Wijaya Holiday Resort’s stunning views and eco-friendly surroundings, including the Thalagahahena Waterfall. Guests can take part in nature trails and trekking, as well as experience agro-tourism activities and local cooking demonstrations. Wijaya Gems, established in 1978, and Wijaya Holiday Resort, founded in 2000, bring decades of expertise in gem trading and hospitality. Together, they are creating an authentic cultural product that connects travellers with the heritage of Ratnapura. Special pricing has also been introduced for guides and tour operators to encourage participation. The launch of the tour comes at a time when Ratnapura, despite being the centre of the nation’s gem industry, receives fewer tourists compared to other destinations. Known as the “City of Gems,” Ratnapura has been the heart of Sri Lanka’s gem trade for centuries. The region is renowned worldwide for producing sapphires, rubies, and a variety of semi-precious stones.