Sri Lanka’s gem and jewellery industry stands at a pivotal crossroads. Revered for centuries as the Island of Gems, the country is globally known for its sapphires and rich gemstone diversity. Yet in today’s fast-evolving luxury market, tradition alone is no longer enough. Buyers increasingly demand ethical sourcing, transparency, traceability and higher value addition pressures that are reshaping the global trade and testing Sri Lanka’s readiness for the future.
These realities will converge at FACETS Sri Lanka 2026, opening on January 3 at Cinnamon Life – City of Dreams, Colombo, and running until January 5. Recognised as the first major international gem and jewellery exhibition of the year, FACETS once again places Sri Lanka at the centre of the global industry calendar, offering early visibility to international buyers and traders.
Now in its 33rd edition, FACETS has evolved into one of the region’s most enduring and respected trade exhibitions. Organised by the Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Association (SLGJA), the event brings together the full spectrum of the industry from miners and cutters to manufacturers, designers, exporters and traders on a single, trusted platform.
SLGJA President Akram Cassim describes FACETS as a symbol of resilience and credibility at a time of global uncertainty. Hosting the exhibition at the newly developed Cinnamon Life complex, he says, reflects a forward-looking vision that balances modern presentation with the industry’s deep-rooted values of integrity and craftsmanship.
Internationally, Sri Lanka continues to command respect for its natural gemstones and skilled workmanship. FACETS reinforces this reputation by offering a transparent and authentic marketplace where buyers engage directly with Sri Lankan exhibitors, strengthening confidence in ethical sourcing and long-standing expertise.
As the industry looks toward 2026, key priorities include expanding exports, increasing value addition, supporting SMEs and strengthening Sri Lanka’s brand positioning in competitive global markets. FACETS Sri Lanka 2026 is therefore more than a trade exhibition it is a strategic checkpoint.
Whether Sri Lanka can convert its natural advantage into sustained growth will depend on how effectively the industry adapts to new market realities while preserving the legacy that made it a global gem capital.
