Sri Lanka’s centuries-old gem trade, long celebrated for its dazzling treasures and enduring craftsmanship, is preparing to step into the global spotlight like never before. The country will host Ceylon Gemlogue 2025, the first-of-its-kind international gem dialogue forum, on September 28 at the Cinnamon Grand Colombo.
Presented by Ceylon Gem Chronicles and endorsed by leading industry associations including the Ceylon Gem & Jewellery Traders Association (CGJTA), GemSriLanka, and the Lanka Gem Dealers and Miners Association the event is billed as the “TED Talk of the gem world.”
Organizers say it will blend storytelling, live demonstrations, and thought leadership, positioning Sri Lanka not only as a source of precious stones but as a global hub of knowledge and innovation in the gem trade.
“This is a rare and inspiring moment for the industry,” said Dumindu Katuwala, Founder of Ceylon Gem Chronicles and Convener of Ceylon Gemlogue 2025. “No industry is without challenges, but by coming together, we can make Sri Lanka shine brighter on the world stage.”
The forum has attracted heavyweight sponsors such as Manjari, Wijaya Gems, and Maera Jewellery, who share the vision of safeguarding Sri Lanka’s cultural gem legacy while equipping the trade with a modern global outlook.
Among the event’s star attractions is Justin K. Prim, a master gem cutter from France who has trained under Sri Lankan experts.
He will perform a live demonstration using the Banku Pattaley, the island’s centuries-old manual gem-cutting lathe, underscoring how local craftsmanship continues to shape global gemology. “Even my mentor was a Sri Lankan cutter,” Prim noted, adding that his session would pay homage to tradition while offering a masterclass in artistry.
The forum’s agenda also highlights cutting-edge discussions on innovation and entrepreneurship. Qadheer Rawoof, Co-Founder of Gemelry, will present on digital transformation in the gem industry, while Samitha Liyanage, President of the Gemmologists’ Association of Sri Lanka, will lead a session on “The Inner World of Gems.”
Other notable contributions include Mubashir Mansoor, a Turkish physicist and gemologist, on the science of gem heating, and Dilith Jayaweera, Chairman of George Steuart & Co., who will speak on resilience in entrepreneurship.
Adding a policymaking dimension, the forum will host a high-profile panel discussion featuring Dr. Harsha de Silva, Member of Parliament and Chairman of the Committee on Public Finance, alongside Dr. Samantha Gunasekara, veteran gemmologist and current Chairman of MEPA, and other industry leaders representing Rathnapura, CGJTA, and FACETS. The panel will examine regulatory, trade, and investment challenges facing the sector.
At its core, Ceylon Gemlogue 2025 is more than just an exhibition; it is a narrative designed to strengthen Sri Lanka’s global positioning as a trusted gem hub. Organizers say it will help expand international trade, encourage investment, and support education and scientific innovation while preserving the cultural legacy that has made “Ceylon gems” world-renowned for centuries.
With global experts, local artisans, and policymakers converging under one roof, the event promises not only to celebrate the island’s rich gem heritage but also to chart a forward-looking path for its future. As anticipation builds, Sri Lanka’s gem industry is preparing to remind the world that its treasures are not just stones, but stories of resilience, artistry, and tradition that shine across generations.
