By Ajith Siriwardana and Yohan Perera  

The gemstone weighing 510 kilograms discovered in Ratnapura a few months ago was confirmed to be a star sapphire cluster following tests conducted by the Gübelin Gem Lab in Switzerland, State Minister Lohan Ratwatte said yesterday.  

He told Parliament that the Gübelin Gem Lab in Switzerland confirmed on Tuesday (07) evening that it was a star sapphire cluster.  

Making the reply speech on the committee stage debate of the State Minister of Gem and Jewellery related Industries, the Minister said steps would be taken to auction it at the Christie’s auctions and get the maximum price for it.   He also said the seven storey-Mahinda Rajapaksa International Gem Tower which began construction in Ratnapura last year would be opened next year.