Sri Lanka seeks deeper India market access for gems, jewellery

• Sri Lanka business delegation meets with Indian chambers, buyers and industry stakeholders to identify sourcing, investment, manufacturing and business partnership opportunities
• EDB and NGJA position Sri Lanka’s natural gemstones, skilled craftsmanship and ethical sourcing credentials as key differentiators
• Initiative also leveraged to promote FACETS 2027, Gem City Ratnapura, Gem Sri Lanka and upcoming Sri Lanka Expo 2027

Sri Lanka is stepping up efforts to deepen its presence in India’s vast gem and jewellery market, with the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) leading a business delegation aimed at unlocking new trade, investment and commercial partnerships.

Organised with the support of the Sri Lanka High Commission in New Delhi and the Sri Lanka Consulate in Mumbai, the delegation is in India from 8 to 13 August, bringing together senior officials, industry associations and leading Sri Lankan gem and jewellery companies.

The initiative comes as Sri Lanka seeks to diversify and expand its export markets, with India’s position as a major global jewellery manufacturing and trading hub offering significant opportunities for Sri Lankan gemstone suppliers, jewellers and value-added exporters.

The delegation includes EDB Chairman, the Chairman of the National Gem & Jewellery Authority (NGJA), EDB officials, representatives of the Sri Lanka Gem & Jewellery Association, Lanka Gem Dealers & Miners Association and Ceylon Gem & Jewellery Traders Association, as well as companies including Gem Paradise, Punsiri Gems, Mansoor Gems, Beauty Gems, Gemluxe Ceylon, Ashadi Jewellers, GemTrad, Ceylon Gemora and Cey Gems.

The first two days of the program focused on the India International Jewellery Show (IIJS) in Mumbai, where the Sri Lankan delegation engaged with leading buyers, exhibitors, industry stakeholders and members of the show.

The interactions provided insights into market trends while facilitating discussions on expanding bilateral trade, sourcing opportunities and commercial linkages between Sri Lankan and Indian businesses.

The program subsequently shifted towards trade and investment promotion, with meetings held on 10 August with the Bombay Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) and Maharashtra Chambers of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture (MACCIA).

Addressing the gatherings, the Consul General of Sri Lanka in Mumbai Priyanga Wickramasinghe underscored the importance of closer commercial ties and greater interaction between the two countries’ business communities.

EDB Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe outlined trade and investment opportunities, with particular emphasis on expanding cooperation in gems and jewellery through increased sourcing, partnerships, investment and business collaborations.

The NGJA Chairman Dr. S.P. Chaminda highlighted Sri Lanka’s reputation for natural gemstones and its strengths in craftsmanship and industry expertise, while promoting investment opportunities across the sector.

Sri Lankan participating companies also made individual presentations to Indian business representatives, showcasing their products, capabilities and areas of interest. The EDB said these engagements were intended to strengthen awareness of Sri Lanka as a premium source of ethically sourced gemstones, jewellery and value-added products.

Industry associations also promoted major Sri Lankan industry events, including Gem City Ratnapura, FACETS 2027 and Gem Sri Lanka, as platforms for Indian buyers and investors to deepen their engagement with the local industry.

The program continued on 11 and 12 August with engagements involving the World Trade Centre Mumbai, All India Association of Industries, International Chamber of Investment and Business (ICIB) and Mahratta Chamber of Commerce, Industries & Agriculture in Pune.

The events are expected to bring together chambers, businesses, potential investors and industry stakeholders to explore opportunities for stronger bilateral trade and investment, particularly in the gem and jewellery sector.

The EDB is also using the India initiative to build international participation for Sri Lanka Expo 2027, scheduled for 14–17 January 2027 at BMICH in Colombo. Indian and other international buyers are being encouraged to attend, while companies specialising in advanced technologies, machinery and other export-related capabilities are being invited to exhibit.

The India delegation forms part of the EDB’s broader strategy to expand international market opportunities for Sri Lankan exporters and generate momentum ahead of Sri Lanka Expo 2027.