6 January 2022 12:00 pm Views - 86
By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya
ka is still negotiating with the Dubai-based company which has offered US$ 100 million for the ‘Queen of Asia’, the world’s largest natural corundum blue sapphire found in Sri Lanka.
State Minister Lohan Ratwatte who is currently in Dubai told the Daily Mirror that no final decision has been arrived at the company’s offer to purchase the ‘Queen of Asia’.
He said the officials and the owner of the blue sapphire are still at the discussion stage with the company for a higher offer, preferably more than US$ 100.
The State Minister said Sri Lanka is yet to decide to sell the world’s largest natural corundum blue sapphire for that offer and discussions are underway whether to auction the blue sapphire corundum at an even higher price.
The blue sapphire weighing 310Kg (1,550,000 carats) was displayed at the owner’s residence in Horana in December 2021.
Earlier, the owner, Chamila Suranga Pannilaarachchi, said that several local businessmen had offered US$100 million for the corundum. He also said that a French gem scientists had valued the corundum at more than US$200 million.