FACETS 2026 positions ’Island of Gems’ Sri Lanka as Asia’s true jewel

Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Association President Akram Cassim addresses the opening of FACETS Sri Lanka 2026 

The opening of FACETS Sri Lanka 2026

Over the past year, we have welcomed positive steps by the Government and constructive engagement with the industry, which we sincerely appreciate. The priority now is the urgent implementation of the key reforms already discussed. Simplifying regulations, improving ease of doing business, and streamlining import–export processes will allow the sector to contribute more strongly to foreign exchange earnings while creating sustainable employment across the island

Following are excerpts from the speech of Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Association President Akram Cassim at the opening of the three-day FACETS Sri Lanka 2026 international gem and jewellery exhibition on Saturday at the Cinnamon Life

Sri Lanka is known around the world for its natural beauty—lush hills, golden shores, and a timeless heritage. Yet beyond its landscapes, our island is renowned for something rarer still—its gemstones.

For centuries, some of the world’s finest sapphires have emerged from this soil—gems that have adorned crowns, passed through royal treasuries, and today rest in the world’s most celebrated collections. Long before modern trade routes, these stones carried the name of Sri Lanka across continents.

It is this extraordinary legacy that brings us together today at FACETS Sri Lanka 2026, as we mark 33 years of an exhibition that has helped shape Sri Lanka’s gem industry and connect it with the world.

FACETS is more than an exhibition. It reflects the strength, resilience, and continuity of an industry deeply woven into our national history.

From a modest beginning in 1991 with just 50 booths, FACETS has grown into an internationally respected platform showcasing the industry from mine to market. Over the decades, it has helped transform small-scale miners, cutters, lapidarists, and traders into globally recognised exporters. Many of today’s leading industry players began their journey right here.

Sri Lanka’s gem industry is truly unique. Rooted in a 2,500-year history, our island remains one of the world’s finest sources of sapphires and is home to over 50 varieties of coloured gemstones. These gemstones are the result of generations of sustainable, artisanal mining—practices that respect the land, protect water sources, and support local communities.

One of the most promising opportunities ahead lies in linking sapphires, gems, and tourism. The Ceylon Sapphire is a gem like no other, from a country like no other. By working closely with Sri Lanka Tourism, we can offer visitors a meaningful Sapphire journey—from the gem mines of Ratnapura, through the gem markets of Beruwela, to the gem museums of Kandy and the jewellery boutiques of Colombo—adding value to both tourism and the gem sector

Over the past year, we have welcomed positive steps by the Government and constructive engagement with the industry, which we sincerely appreciate. The priority now is the urgent implementation of the key reforms already discussed. Simplifying regulations, improving ease of doing business, and streamlining import–export processes will allow the sector to contribute more strongly to foreign exchange earnings while creating sustainable employment across the island.

One of the most promising opportunities ahead lies in linking sapphires, gems, and tourism. The Ceylon Sapphire is a gem like no other, from a country like no other. By working closely with Sri Lanka Tourism, we can offer visitors a meaningful Sapphire journey—from the gem mines of Ratnapura, through the gem markets of Beruwela, to the gem museums of Kandy and the jewellery boutiques of Colombo—adding value to both tourism and the gem sector.

FACETS 2026 once again brings together the global gem community on Sri Lankan soil. To our international buyers, many of whom have travelled great distances and returned to FACETS year after year, we extend our sincere appreciation. Your continued presence reflects your confidence in Sri Lanka as a trusted source of fine gemstones, and we are honoured to welcome you back.

I also thank our exhibitors, trade sponsors, the Sapphire Sponsorship Circle, and the media for their continued support in strengthening FACETS and sharing Sri Lanka’s gem story with the world.

Together, let us firmly position Ratnadeepa — the Island of Gems — as Asia’s true Jewel.

- Pix by Lasantha Kumara