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| Sunday, 12 October 2003 |
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| News Business Features Editorial
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Gemming his way to success by Pelham Juriansz
Gemming his way to success is Dr M.G.M.S. Zurfick, Chairman of Falcon International who acknowledges the statement "Tradition alone is not sufficient to sell our gems", made by Minister of Enterprise Development, Industrial Policy and Investment Promotion, Prof G.L. Peiris when he declared open the new Gem and Jewellery Trading Complex at the World Trade Centre (WTC). Zurfick however relies on tradition as he directs a long standing and reputed establishment in Sri Lanka and Japan. He has been in the forefront of exhibitions here and abroad. His greatest glory was displaying the 'Star of Lanka', a 440 carat gem which has been acknowledged as the largest in the world, and a 'Cat's Eye' at an exhibition in Japan where, according to him, Japanese business people were simply dazzled. One of the noteworthy facts about the 'Star of Lanka' is that it was taken from Sri Lanka to the UK for the wedding of Princess Diana and Prince Charles. Described as a Goodwill and Sporting Ambassador, whose ambition is to be the Sri Lankan Ambassador to Japan, he says Sri Lanka is a "veritable treasure trove of rubies, sapphires, zircons, garnets, amethysts, topaz and cat's eye alternatives". Referring to the Gem and Jewellery Trading Complex opened in line with the 'Regaining Sri Lanka' initiative of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, Zurfick says it would facilitate the export-oriented gem and jewellery trade. The exchange provides facilities such as those of the Customs, insurance, airline agencies, banks and freight forwarding offices. Its gem laboratory provides free gem testing facilities for foreigners, overseas buyers and exporters. Dr Zurfick believes that "our profits could be made seven and eightfold and enhanced through hard work and effort," echoing the words of Prof Peiris that "The gem and jewellery industry, which was once Sri Lanka's main foreign exchange earner, should be restored to a level that would attract the attention of foreigners and be competitive in the international market". Several shops such as Sparkle Gems and De Zoysa Gems (Pvt) Ltd have already been established at the WTC in the heart of the commercial district, which has a number of five-star hotels frequented by Western and Eastern tourists. Sri Lanka has a long history as a unique source of world-class gems and highly skilled jewellery manufacturers. Strategic initiatives taken by the industry to be competitive globally have been endorsed by the Government. The opening of the Exchange expresses the Government's desire to further develop the industry. A trade centre for commercial activities with official recognition was a long-felt need to improve our competitiveness internationally. The National Gem and Jewellery Authority plans to develop the Exchange as a complex where all dealers comply with a code of performance. Zurfick cites the United States and Japan as good markets for Lankan gems. |
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