Saturday, 31 August 2013 00:00
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By Sarah Hannan
Marking its successful 23rd year, FACETS Sri Lanka 2013, the international gem and jewellery exhibition organised by the Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Association (SLGJA), held its inauguration ceremony earlier this week at the BMICH. The event will be open to the public between 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. until Sunday, 1 September.
The Chief Guest at the event was Minister of International Monetary Corporation and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Sarath Amunugama and the Guest of Honour was the President of American Gem Trade Association Ruben Bindra. National Gem and Jewellery Authority (NGJA) Chairman Amitha Gamage, Export Development Board Executive Director Yousuf Marikar and SLGJA Chairman A. P. Jeyaraj were also present at the occasion.
FACETS Chairman Juzar Adamaly, while welcoming the gathering, stated that they are proud that FACETS has not only stood the test of time but has also turned out to be a successful event that serves the industry and the country. This year, the exhibition attracted buyers from China, Russia, India, USA, Thailand, Australia, Singapore, UAE, Hong Kong, UK and Norway. Catering to the clientele at the exhibition are 150 stalls, including individual exhibitor pavilions dedicated to Myanmar and the NGJA, and a SME pavilion for the EDB.
Addressing the gathering, Guest of Honour Ruben Bindra asserted that in his 30 years of exposure to the gem and jewellery industry, he was honoured to be a part of the industry in Sri Lanka and said that each country is given a special gift and this gift in Sri Lanka were its people and its gems. “If you are in the gem and jewellery business, Sri Lanka is the one place to be and the hospitality and passion they express towards their visitors is unsurpassed,” he stated, adding that it is essential that every individual involved in the gem and jewellery industry should live by ethics in order to sustain the growth of the industry.
Dr. Amunugama in his speech stated that he was privileged to be a part of the exhibition and to be invited as the Chief Guest yet again. He noted that the Government of Sri Lanka is keen to strengthen and broaden its commitment towards the gem and jewellery industry and has set a benchmark for the industry to reach an export turnover of $ 1 billion by 2015.
“Volatility is the name of the game due to the rapid development and constant change in the business world. It spreads across resources, raw material and monetary funds, which are key components of a business. Our economic growth path at present has hit the rate of 7% and the main contributors towards this factor are tourism and gem and jewellery industry. By advocating and strengthening international relationships through these industries, Sri Lanka can build great relationships with the world.”
in addition, Dr. Amunugama suggested that the merchants should widen the range of gem and jewellery in Sri Lanka as it would cater to the demanding tourist base including heads of state, members of house/ parliaments and royalty who visit Sri Lanka on goodwill missions. He was also grateful that the new chairman of SLGJA understood the importance of the industry as well as its contribution towards the country’s economy and is taking steps towards bridging the gap between the State and private sector in order to move forward in creating great international relations.
Dr. Amunugama further explained the ever-changing methods of trade has challenged the way the gem and jewellery industry markets its products, and at present, it has turned into a sophisticated operation when it comes to selling gems and jewellery. In conclusion, Dr. Amunugama said that Sri Lanka has the lowest tax regime and pointed out that more investments should be made in natural resource based industries.
Pic by Kithsiri de Mel
