The event was inaugurated by Senior Minister A.H.M Fouwzie. The Guests of Honour was Dr. Claudio C Milisenda, Managing Director German Foundation for Gemstone Research (DSEF), German Gem Lab and Mr. Kenneth Scarratt, Managing Director GIA South East Asia and Director, GIA Laboratory Bangkok.
Speaking about the event, Juzar Adamaly, Chairman of FACETS Sri Lanka 2014 stated, “I wish to thank all the stakeholders involved in organizing this event. This exhibition has steadily grown to become a world-renowned show with active participation by Gem & Jewellery importers, wholesalers, manufacturers, retailers and collectors worldwide.” He added that buyers looked forward to purchasing some of the world’s finest gems and jewellery directly from the source at this event. "
The event encompass over 150 stall holders, including individual exhibitor pavilions from The National Gem and Jewellery Authority (NGJA) and an SME pavilion from the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB). In addition, Over a 100+ international buyer delegation will be attending the show across China, India, Myanmar, Dubai, Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong, USA, Russia and Germany. Stall holders from Singapore, Dubai, Myanmar and India will be participating at the event.
Dr. Claudio C Milisenda, Managing Director German Foundation for Gemstone Research (DSEF), German Gem Lab said, "I am delighted to be the Guest of Honor in this year's FACETS. Sri Lanka is a unique important supplier of international Gems especially Sapphires and Rubies. I found it significant that the NGJA has laid out a framework for the country and FACETS Sri Lanka will further enhance this vision".
Mr. Kenneth Scarratt, Managing Director GIA South East Asia and Director, GIA Laboratory Bangkok said, "GIA is pleased to be in Sri Lanka for this wonderful FACETS gems store. We really want to express GIAs total support for the colour stone industry in Sri Lanka. The country leaves everyone of us in awe, including its people, gem stones leaving memorable experiences".
In the 2003 Budget, the Government of Sri Lanka declared SLGJA as the Apex industry body and charged it with a leadership role to formulate industry-level strategies to increase productivity and competitiveness.
Since then, the Association works closely with the government's National Gem & Jewellery Authority and the Sri Lanka Export Development Board to advocate national policy and give input for the industry's regulatory framework. Currently, SLGJA has over 350 members who together account for over 75 percent of the country's gem and jewellery exports.
