President inaugurates FACETS 2025

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake inaugurated FACETS Sri Lanka 2025, Asia’s leading gem and jewellery exhibition, in Colombo last Saturday. 

Organised by the Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Association (SLGJA) in collaboration with the National Gem and Jewellery Authority (NGJA) and the Export Development Board (EDB), this year marks the 31st edition of the exhibition, which is open to the public until today.

“Today, as we embark on this extraordinary three-day journey, we honour the legacy of Sri Lankan gems – a legacy forged by the interplay of nature’s beauty and humanity’s artistry. FACETS is more than an exhibition; it is a bridge that connects tradition with innovation and provides a platform where our heritage meets global aspirations,” stated FACETS 2025 Chairman Armil Sammoon to a packed crowd at the inauguration.

Delegations from China, India, the United States, Europe, and several other countries, along with representatives from globally renowned gem and jewellery companies visiting Sri Lanka for the first time, are participating in the event.

“To our international visitors and buyers, your presence here today underscores the global allure of Sri Lanka’s gemstones. Your faith in our industry fuels its growth and strengthens the bonds that unite us beyond borders. You are not just patrons; you are partners in amplifying Sri Lanka’s potential on the world stage,” Sammoon added.
Local gem entrepreneurs from prominent industry hubs such as Ratnapura, Elahara, Beruwala, Eheliyagoda, Galle, and Colombo are also showcasing their exceptional craftsmanship at this three-day exhibition.

Sammoon emphasised that FACETS is more than a marketplace—it is a beacon of Sri Lanka’s economic and cultural significance. “Your recognition of its importance lays the foundation for sustainable growth, innovation, and inclusivity,” he added.

The primary objective of the exhibition is to create business opportunities with traders, exporters, and industry professionals worldwide, with the ambition of exceeding US$1 billion in gem and jewellery exports.

Inspired by President Dissanayake’s call for unity, progress, and shared responsibility, Sammoon noted that FACETS 2025 embraces the ideals of renewal and transformation. “Together, we aim to uplift rural communities, foster innovation, and embed ethical practices that honour our people and our land,” he said.

FACETS Sri Lanka is one of the most anticipated events in the local and global gem and jewellery industry calendar, offering insights into Sri Lanka’s rich heritage, diversity, and sustainability in the sector.
The event was also graced by Sunil Handunnetti, Minister of Industry and Enterprise Development, Vijitha Herath, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism, and Chaturanga Abeysinghe, Deputy Minister of Industry and Enterprise Development, along with ambassadors and other distinguished guests. (NF)