ICA Congress adds lustre to gem and jewellery sector

The 16th Congress of the International Coloured Gem Stone Association (ICA) which was opened by President Maithripala Sirisena yesterday at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel, will end on Tuesday.

State Minister for Environment Pavithra Wanniarachchi and the Deputy Minister of Mahaweli Development Wasantha Aluwihare were also present.

The Congress which is being held in Sri Lanka for the second time after 26 years is looked at by experts as an industry specific impetus.

"The industry is presently valued at USD $500 million and although we have a lot more to do to reach the ambitious target of US $ 1 billion by the end of the year, the ICA Congress is a decisive and contributing factor to this sector," said the Deputy Director General, National Gem and Jewellery Authority, K. A. D. Dayasagara.

" ICA will help bolster trade relations, renew existing ones and give the industry, the much-needed impetus while showcasing to the rest of the world, what Sri Lanka has to offer beyond raw gems," he said.

Over 250 delegates from over 60 countries were present.

The Congress features an exclusive FACETS trade show and a Small and Medium Enterprise Gem Pavillion organised by the Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Authority.

Chairman, 2015 ICA Congress Organising Committee, A.H.M Imtizam said that the knowledge imparted will undoubtedly benefit every merchant and manufacturer in the trade, be it local or foreign.

The outcome of this collaboration between industry leading experts he said will result in developments that would change the face of the industry for retailers and consumers.

"There was a special presentation on all gems and jewellery sourced from Sri Lanka which are now part of the Royal English Heirloom, something which many don't know much about," said Director, ICA Sri Lanka, Dr. Gamini Zoyza.

The main organiser of the 16th Congress is the Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Association, the National Gem and Jewellery Authority and the Export Development Board.