For the first time in Sri Lanka, an international gem stone laboratory will be set up in Beruwela with an investment from a joint venture company in the US and China.
This will be with an investment of one million US dollars, said president, Guild Gem Laboratory (GUILD) Ruby Lou at the Gem Sri Lanka Trade Fair, organised by the Chinafort Gem and Jewellery Traders Association (CGJTA), which concluded in Bentota yesterday.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe was the chief guest.
She said that they have already found a place for this gem laboratory in Beruwela and they will be presenting the documents to the BOI for approval next week.
She said that the Chinese interest for Sri Lankan gem stones is increasing and with them being available to issue internally recognised certificates, the market will move faster, she said. President, GUILD, Andrew Lucas said they will also recruit youth and take them to China for advanced training for three months.
“When the approvals are done machines imported from USA will be installed in Beruwela the laboratory staff who have been trained in China will also be ready.”
He said that their certificate will be internationally recognised.
