The text written above in the poster:
The Mahinda Chinthanaya Outlook…
The Green & Ethical Facet of Sri Lanka’s Gem & Jewellery Industry
During my period of office, I will follow a sustainable policy in regard to preservation of environment both locally and externally…
I wlll take steps to make a full assessment of the problems faced bythe manufacturers when buying gold for the production of jewellery and look into the faced by those engaged In jewellery production and recommend and implement suitable solutions.
His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapaksa
(Adopted from The Mahinda Chinthanaya Outlook)
Sri Lanka, ‘the paradise island’ in the Indian ocean is blessed with a rich history of 2500 years and was known as ‘Rathnadvipa’ the ‘Land of Gems’. From the time of our forefathers, this enchanting island has been renowned the world over for its priceless gems and uniquely crafted designs- A reputation which still continues.
Sri Lanka is blessed with 70 varieties of colored stones out of around 200 found in the world. It is also among the 5 most important gem bearing nations of the world. Over the centuries, Sri Lanka’s jewellery makers have refined their hereditary skills to the highest standards. Exquisite craftsmanship and sophisticated creativity blended with the modern touch today receives the higher priority.
Today, Sri Lanka has made its mark in the international markets and is known for its quality gemstones and creating fine jewellery in a range of unique and exquisite designs. With this reputation the Sri Lanka gem and jewellery industry is now geared to establish a world class gem and jewellery hub practising Green & Ethical Production. This is to be achieved via the following:
- Ethical practices
- Environmental friendly mining & maintenance of ecological balance
- Eco friendly processing and manufacturing
- Enhancement of the living standards through the supply chain.
- Best business practices.
The first step towards achieving these has been taken with the automated system now in place at the Ratnapura Service Center and will henceforth require licensing for Environmental Friendly Mining and maintenance of ecological balance (The first of the above mentioned targets), from all those involved in the industry.
The gem and jewellery manufacturing sector has secured the 4th place among Sri Lanka’s export products earning around 420 million U.S dollars per annum. Our target is to exceed the export income of 1 billion USD per annum within the next 5 years.
The National Gem and Jewellery Authority is formulating the necessary plans and strategies to uplift this industry. Our aim is to convert this industry into a green and ethical manufacturing entity from the mine to the market.
Hon. Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, Minister of Environment.
Upgrading of the National Gem & Jewellery Authority’s Ratnapura Service Center
Date: 10 th of August 2010 at the auspicious time of 10:47 am.
By invitation of the National Gem & Jewellery Authority’s Chairman & CEO, Mr Anil Koswatte and the Board of Directors, the center will be declared open by Hon. Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, Minister of Environment with the participation of the Minister of Public Administration and Home Affairs , Hon. John Seneviratne, Minister of National Heritage and Cultural Affairs, Hon. Ms. Pavithra Wanniarachchi and the Deputy Minister of Environment, Hon. Faizer Musthapha along with honorable ministers and members of Parliment & Provincial council.
Towards a green & ethical gem and jewellery industry.
