The Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Association (SLGJA) has congratulated President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, on his success at the Presidential election held last week, becoming Sri Lanka’s 7th Executive President.
The Association in a statement said, “The SLGJA is confident that under your Presidency, you will ensure the security, well-being and economic prosperity of the people and the country.
“As the apex body representing the Gem and Jewellery industry which encompasses a multitude of related fields, SLGJA wishes to highlight that this industry could not only generate billions of dollars worth valuable foreign earnings, but can also create a million jobs in the rural areas. A cottage industry could be developed for gem cutters and jewellery manufacturers.
“The trade needs proper direction and encouragement from the Government. The National Gem and Jewellery Authority (NGJA) had had four chairmen this year. The industry would benefit greatly with a stable, professional leadership so that the NGJA can work in an independent, focused manner to develop the trade. The NGJA should be transformed to promote and facilitate the industry.
“The Government should appoint a Presidential Task Force with private sector participation to develop the trade and resolve issues faced by the miners, importers, exporters, lapidaries and manufacturers.
“Sri Lanka being a famous gem producing country has immense potential to become a bustling trading hub. The Government should take a proactive stand in consultation with the private sector to study and learn about the policies adopted by Thailand and Hong Kong which are renowned gem and jewellery hubs, to encourage the growth of the industry.
“Today, 60-70% of our rough is brought back from Tanzania, Madagascar, Mozambique and other African countries. Our dealers face many obstacles and live for months in those countries in the most difficult conditions, taking immense risks in the process. We must encourage these dealers to bring the rough gemstones back to Sri Lanka, cut and polish, and export the same with a greater value addition.
“We seek your assistance to uplift the industry and wish to emphasize the need to have sustainable policies. The Government and the private sector must work in close cooperation to achieve our targeted goals. We look forward to seeing the Gem and Jewellery industry gaining momentum under your leadership.”
From ILCCI . . .
The Membership and Executive Committee of the Indo-Lanka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ILCCI) extended its congratulations and best wishes to Gotabaya Rajapaksa on his election and assumption of office as the seventh Executive President of Sri Lanka.
Excerpts of the letter:
“On behalf of the Membership and Executive Committee of the Indo Lanka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ILCCI), we extend our warmest and heartfelt congratulations to you on your election as the Executive President of Sri Lanka. It is with great expectation and confidence that we look forward to your tenure as our President and know that under your strong and astute leadership, you will instill a culture of integrity, good governance and sustainable development in government, the public service and society at large.
“The Indo Lanka Chamber of Commerce and Industry was set up in 2006, under the aegis of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, to promote trade, investment and tourism between Sri Lanka and India. Our membership consists of Sri Lankan businesses, Sri Lankan-Indian Joint Ventures and Indian businesses incorporated in Sri Lanka, across a diverse set of industries and trades.
“We wish you every success on your journey to bring development and prosperity to the people of Sri Lanka.”