Sri Lanka Tourism gearing for aggressive promotion of Ceylon Sapphire

By Hiran H.Senewiratne 

When tourists visit Sri Lanka, one of the major things that should be on their shopping list along with tea and spices are Ceylon sapphires. Ceylon sapphires are historically famous for their beautifully saturated colours, glowing lustre and transparent nature of the stone, so we need to integrate professional standards to this trade, Chairperson, Sri Lanka Tourism Kimarli Fernando said in Colombo recently.

Speaking at a forum organized by Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Association (SLGJA), she said:

“It is said that two thirds of the island contains gems, which has a huge potential to promote Sri Lanka as a gem hub; especially blue sapphire among up market tourists. Unfortunately we are just sitting on gem deposits without harnessing its true potential.”

“I request from the gem and jewellery stakeholders to ensure that quality and fair priced items are offered to tourists as there have been many complaints that tourists were ripped off and cheated by local jewellers giving a negative image to Sri Lanka.

Reopening the tourism sector to foreigners, Sri Lanka will allow tourists who have taken both COVID-19 vaccination to visit the country and also roam freely without additional quarantine regulations, she said.

Chairman SLGJA Ahsan Refai said,”The Blue Bell of Asia was an exceptional Blue sapphire weighted 392 cts. which was found in a paddyfield in Ratnapura in 1926. It was initially sold to Lord Naphil in Britain in 1937. Then it was later auctioned for record-breaking 19 million dollars. Given our rich heritage producing fine quality, gemstones must use this as a unique opportunity to promote and market this to the world and especially to the tourists visiting Sri Lanka.”

” I am sure the inclusion of our beautiful gemstones in any promotional campaign will boost the appeal of visiting Sri Lanka. This will encourage more tourists to visit our country,” he said.

The legacy of Ceylon Sapphires can be dated back to the 2nd Century AD