The EU Indo-Pacific Strategy through Sri Lanka’s Lens: Opportunities for Cooperation and Partnership was discussed in depth at a conference held in Colombo recently. 

The Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute of International Relations and Strategic Studies (LKI) in partnership with the Delegation of the European Union to Sri Lanka and the Maldives hosted a half-day conference with the aim of reviwing the strategy, officials said. 

The event supported by the Delegation of the European Union to Sri Lanka and the Maldives and the Friedrich Naumann Foundation was organised on the occasion of the visit of the EU Special Envoy for the Indo-Pacific Gabriele Visentin to Sri Lanka. 

LKI Executive Director Dr. D.L. Mendis warmly welcomed the participants who attended this conference and said that a rule-based order will protect small states and make international law the language of international relations. 

Ambassador of the Delegation of the European Union to Sri Lanka and the Maldives Denis Chaibi made the opening remarks and referred to the connections between Europe and Sri Lanka.

EU Special Envoy for the Indo-Pacific Gabriele Visentin outlined the thematic content of the EU Indo-Pacific Strategy launched in September 2021, highlighting its relevance for further engagement between the EU and Sri Lanka. 

He outlined the way in which a multilateral approach would guarantee stability through the strengthening of international rule-based order. 

He further stated that seven priority areas for cooperation have been identified; such as, sustainable and economic prosperity, green transition, ocean governance, digital governance and partnerships, connectivity and security and defence. 

The Envoy further underscored that the EU’s Indo-Pacific Strategy envisages strengthening links with the states in the region and not dependencies. 

The keynote address was delivered by Foreign Minister Prof. G.L Peiris in which he outlined the importance of multilateralism, inclusivity and rule-based order. 

He also dealt with topics such as green recovery, trade, sustainable ocean governance as issues of relevance to Sri Lanka at present for cooperation and partnerships. 

He highlighted that a rule-based order can help small states safeguard their position at the international level. Additional remarks were delivered by State Minister of Regional Cooperation Tharaka Balasuriya. 

Foreign Secretary of Sri Lanka Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage and representatives of EU Member States participated at this conference. 

Ambassador of the French Republic to Sri Lanka and the Maldives Eric Lavertu, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Sri Lanka and the Maldives Tanja Gongrijjp and Deputy Director General for South Asia and Indo-Pacific policy, German Federal Foreign Office, Dr. Jasper Wieck, addressed this conference. 

The conference brought together local and international experts to discuss the EU strategy and its implications in three thematic areas, namely; (i) Sri Lanka’s and EU’s positioning within geopolitical shifts in the Indo-Pacific, , (ii) Trade, Connectivity and Green Recovery as Strategic Tools: Challenges and Opportunities for Sri Lanka and the EU,  (iii) EU and Sri Lanka Efforts for Sustainable Ocean Governance, chaired by LKI Executive Director Dr. D.L. Mendis. 

The speakers articulated their diverse viewpoints on the key fundamentals of the European strategy in a constructive manner in order to reinforce the rule-based order and proposed various modalities for cooperation and partnership in the Indo-Pacific region. 

In his vote of thanks, LKI Director Chathuka Senanayake thanked the panellists and participants for attending this conference and sharing their insights. A full report on this conference and proceedings will be published shortly.

Sri Lanka’s gem and jewellery industry is gearing up to transform it to a major foreign exchange earning  sector in the island according to local Sapphire sales worldwide with the aim of achieving US$ 1 billion target this year.   

The Gem and Jewellery Association (SLGJA) is to create a unique ‘Sri Lanka Sapphire’ experience to boost sales globally as well as to visiting tourists locally.

SLGJA Vice Chairman Jewellery Segment Akram Cassim said that the jewellery industry has the potential of being one of the largest foreign exchange earners for the country

In 2022 now, the jewellery industry focuses on creating a unique ‘Sri Lanka Sapphire experience’ aiming to highlight the uniqueness of Sri Lankan sapphires – from its rich history, amazing variety and exceptional colour of sapphires found in the country,” Akram explained. 

The industry also has the scope to generate more employment by adding more value to every tourist visiting the island, he added.

“He said that the Sri Lankan jewellery industry has a competitive edge on many fronts; not only is it the source country for an array of gemstones.

The industry’s manufacturing process has made great strides over the years and has positioned itself well as a competitive supplier for high-end niche jewellery. 

Most significantly Sri Lanka has one of the most unique traits that no other country has to offer – it is the home of the ‘Ceylon Sapphire’.

He said the jewellery sector of SLGJA aims to place Sri Lanka as a prime destination for sapphires and sapphire studded jewellery, along with Sri Lanka tourism.

SLGJA plans to start 2022 with the launch of an exciting jewellery calendar highlighting a variety of promotions and festivals, where both jewellery and gems will be promoted in a variety of innovative and exciting events. 

The jewellery sector looks forward to encouraging young design talent to contribute to the industry. A jewellery design festival will showcase a variety of talent from design and art schools who will create some unique themes for the trade. 

Other initiatives planned include a jewellery linked charity event to support a worthy cause and turn focus towards developing the online shopping experience for jewellery both locally and internationally.

SLGJA said the Sri Lankan jewellery industry had historical significance spanning over 3,000 years. The country›s precious gems and ornate jewellery were amongst the oldest items traded over the years.

 Renowned for its sapphires, these precious stones have adorned some of the world’s most famous jewellery pieces and have found their way to museums around the world. 

The significance of the jewellery industry to Sri Lanka is great; without the jewellery industry no value addition would be possible for one of Sri Lanka’s foremost natural resources, the gemstone.

Sri Lanka is home to an astounding variety of gemstones and is one of the oldest source countries for sapphires. Known to be exporting Ceylon sapphires for centuries, it is vital that the industry continues to add value and place itself among the top exporters of jewellery in the Asian region. 

Dating back to the second century BC, the Sri Lankan jewellery industry has developed a rich and illustrious presence on the global stage, however today it remains an industry that is well below its true potential. 

The industry should aim to develop a 10-year growth plan, said Cassim. Jewellery manufacturing in Sri Lanka is an ancient craft and to date, Sri Lanka is home to some of the most extremely talented and skilled jewellery craftsmen, who require the incentive to remain in the country and help grow the industry instead of seeking work overseas.

One of the greatest challenges the industry has faced is inconsistent policies by successive governments. If the industry was provided with the correct policies the jewellery industry has the potential to create global designs and branding that can be competitive in a global arena.