Gem Sri Lanka 2027 is being positioned as a key platform to deepen Sri Lanka’s gem and jewellery trade with Thailand, following a sharp increase in bilateral exports and growing opportunities for industry collaboration.
Gem Sri Lanka 2027 targets stronger Thailand trade and global gem partnerships
The fourth edition of “Gem Sri Lanka 2027” was unveiled in Bangkok on 6 September, bringing together government representatives, industry leaders and other stakeholders to promote Sri Lanka’s gem and jewellery sector ahead of the event’s scheduled return in January 2027.
Organised by the Ceylon Gem and Jewellery Traders Association (CGJTA), the launch highlighted the potential for stronger commercial ties between Sri Lanka and Thailand, particularly in areas ranging from gemstone processing and jewellery manufacturing to design, technology and international marketing.
Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Minister Sunil Handunnetti, who attended the event as Chief Guest and delivered the keynote address, stressed the importance of value addition, innovation and international collaboration in developing Sri Lanka’s gem and jewellery industry.
The Minister pointed to opportunities for greater cooperation between the two countries across gem cutting, processing, jewellery manufacturing, design and technology. He also highlighted the potential for Sri Lankan and Thai businesses to move beyond conventional trading relationships and develop deeper partnerships based on skills development, technology transfer, research and innovation.
Sri Lanka has long been recognised for its precious gemstones and traditional craftsmanship, while Thailand has developed a strong international reputation in gemstone processing, jewellery manufacturing, design and marketing. The combination of these capabilities provides opportunities for businesses in both markets to develop higher-value products and expand their reach among international buyers.
The launch of Gem Sri Lanka 2027 comes as trade between the two countries shows stronger momentum. Sri Lankan exports to Thailand more than doubled in 2025, rising to more than US$90 million from approximately US$41.6 million in 2024.
Precious and semi-precious stones accounted for almost 70% of Sri Lanka’s exports to Thailand during 2025, underlining the importance of the gem trade within the bilateral commercial relationship. The increase also points to the potential for further expansion if businesses can develop stronger links across processing, manufacturing and international distribution.
The Bangkok event also featured a panel discussion titled “Strengthening Sri Lanka’s Gem and Jewellery Industry and Expanding Its Global Presence”. Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Thailand, Wijayanthi Edirisinghe, participated in the discussion alongside National Gem and Jewellery Authority (NGJA) Chairman Dr. S. P. Chaminda and other industry representatives.
The Ambassador highlighted Bangkok’s position as a major international marketplace for gems and jewellery and its potential to help Sri Lankan companies reach international buyers. The city’s established industry ecosystem can provide opportunities for Sri Lankan exporters and manufacturers to identify new customers, explore markets and develop commercial partnerships.
She also stressed the importance of stronger links between industry associations, entrepreneurs and businesses in Sri Lanka and Thailand. Such connections can help companies exchange knowledge, identify business opportunities and build longer-term relationships within the international gem and jewellery supply chain.
For Sri Lanka’s gem industry, greater emphasis on value addition could also create opportunities to increase the economic contribution of exports. Rather than focusing primarily on the trade of unprocessed or minimally processed stones, stronger cooperation in cutting, polishing, jewellery production and design could help businesses capture additional value within the country.
Technology and skills development are also expected to play an increasingly important role. Partnerships involving modern gemstone processing techniques, jewellery manufacturing technology, design capabilities and international marketing could help Sri Lankan businesses respond to changing consumer preferences and compete in global markets.
Gem Sri Lanka 2027 is scheduled to take place in Sri Lanka in January 2027 and is expected to attract international buyers, investors and industry stakeholders. The event will provide an opportunity for participants to explore Sri Lanka’s gem and jewellery sector while identifying potential commercial partnerships.
For the Sri Lankan gem and jewellery industry, the event also comes at a time when international market access and export diversification remain important priorities. Thailand’s established position within the global gemstone and jewellery trade gives Sri Lankan businesses an opportunity to strengthen connections with an international hub while showcasing the country’s own gemstone resources and craftsmanship.
Gem Sri Lanka 2027 therefore represents more than a promotional event for Sri Lankan gemstones. Its broader objective is to encourage stronger industry-to-industry cooperation, attract international buyers and support new commercial relationships between Sri Lanka and Thailand.
With exports to Thailand already showing significant growth, the January 2027 event could provide a further platform for Sri Lankan businesses to expand their presence in international markets and explore opportunities across the wider gem and jewellery value chain.