“Gem, jewellery, tourism key areas for sustainable forex earnings”

The government has identified the gem and  Jewellery sector, together with tourism, as a priority area for sustainable foreign exchange earnings, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Overseas Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath told FACETS Sri Lanka – 2026″ International Gem and Jewellery Exhibition which commenced on Saturday (3) in Colombo.

“Our policy objective is to improve the export-led economic growth of Sri Lanka. The government’s objective is clear, to move decisively towards higher-value exports, stronger global branding, and improved competitiveness,” he told the opening press conference.

Speaking further he said “It is a pleasure to participate in Facets 2026, an exhibition that reflects Sri Lanka’s long-standing reputation as an island of gems and its renowned focus on export-led economic growth. For over 2,000 years, Sri Lanka’s gemstones have been valued in global markets. Facets, now in its 33rd year, has contributed significantly to transforming this natural endowment into a modern, internationally trusted industry that supports entrepreneurship, employment and value addition within the country.”

He said the government is advancing targeted export incentives, streamlined and transparent regulatory processes, and improved access to finance, particularly for small and medium enterprises.

“We are also strengthening digital traceability and certification systems to ensure credibility of origin, compliance with international standards and enhanced investor and buyer confidence. Sustainability and good governance will underpin this growth. The adoption of ESG standards, ethical sourcing, environmental responsibility, and health, and strong governance will be central to safeguarding Sri Lanka’s reputation and ensuring long-term resilience of this industry. We will continue to work closely with the Sri Lankan Gem and Jewellery Association and all stakeholders to modernize the sector, encourage responsible investment and expand Sri Lanka’s presence in global markets.”

Source: Daily News