ICA Sri Lanka secretariat gears up to host 16th congress

Thursday, 7 May 2015 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

ICA Ambassador to Sri Lanka Altaf Iqbal Preparations are in full swing with the dedicated ICA secretariat in Sri Lanka gearing up to host the prestigious 16th global congress of the International Coloured Gem Stones Association from 16 to 19 May at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel. “This is the second time that Sri Lanka will be hosting the ICA congress; however this event in Colombo will be unlike any other held before for both ICA global and local members,” said ICA Ambassador to Sri Lanka Altaf Iqbal. “The theme for the event which is ‘Sapphire & More’ entails that there’s a lot more to this island than just its famed gems and jewellery.” The event which is to be attended by leading international buyers, gem and jewellery academia, professionals, manufacturers, marketers and suppliers from all over the world has been poised as an opportunity for networking and developing new business ventures whilst showcasing the lucrative local gem and jewellery trade. “This congress is a congregation of industry leaders in the gem and jewellery field; it also serves as an opportune meeting for the members and non-members both internationally and locally to garner knowledge and expertise on new trends,” said ICA 2015 Congress Secretary Ziqufi Ismail. The line-up of speakers includes of ICA past President Paolo Valentini, Jewellery Historian and Author Jack Ogden and GIA Lab Bangkok Director Ken Scarratt to name a few. Fringe events of the ICA congress include a seven-day tour of Sri Lanka including visits to gem mines. The ‘Facets’ Congress Gem Show will also be held in conjunction with the main event at the same venue, where over 50 companies will proudly showcase an array of gemstones and jewellery. For more information please email [email protected] or contact Ruani Wickramasekera, Project Coordinator at Sri Lanka Gem & Jewellery Association on 071 0535 424. The website is www.congress.gemstone.org.