GEM SRI LANKA 2027 Takes Its Global Ambition to Bangkok
Sri Lanka’s premier gem and jewellery exhibition, GEM SRI LANKA 2027, has taken a significant step onto the international stage with its first official overseas launch in Bangkok, Thailand.
Held on 6 September 2026 at the Holiday Inn Bangkok Silom, the landmark event brought together more than 250 government representatives, diplomats, international buyers, investors, traders, gemmologists and leading figures from the global gem and jewellery industry.
The launch was attended by Hon. Sunil Handunneththi, Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development of Sri Lanka, as Chief Guest, alongside Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Thailand H.E. E. A. S. Wijayanthi Edirisinghe and senior representatives from Sri Lanka and Thailand’s gem and jewellery sectors.
Positioning Sri Lanka Beyond Gemstone Supply
Addressing the gathering, Minister Handunneththi described the Bangkok launch as more than the introduction of another exhibition. He said it represented a statement of confidence in the resilience, potential and global competitiveness of Sri Lanka’s gem and jewellery industry.
The Minister also highlighted the strengthening economic relationship between Sri Lanka and Thailand and reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s ambition to position itself beyond being simply a source of precious stones.
The broader vision is to establish Sri Lanka as a global destination for responsible sourcing, value addition, international trade, investment, innovation and knowledge within the gem and jewellery industry.
Creating New International Business Opportunities
Mr. Rizwan Nayeem, Chairman of the Ceylon Gem & Jewellery Traders Association, highlighted the growing international reputation of GEM SRI LANKA, describing it as one of the world’s most sought-after gem exhibitions.
He emphasized the exhibition’s role in showcasing Sri Lanka’s finest gemstones to international buyers and industry professionals while creating new opportunities for international business and trade.
The Bangkok launch also provided an opportunity to showcase Sri Lanka’s exceptional coloured gemstones to an international audience in one of the world’s major gemstone trading centres.
“The Source. The Production. The Selection.”
GEM SRI LANKA 2027 is being presented under the theme “The Source. The Production. The Selection.”
The theme reflects the complete journey of Sri Lanka’s gemstone industry—from the origin of its natural resources to the expertise, craftsmanship, knowledge and careful selection that have contributed to the global reputation of Ceylon gemstones.
The Bangkok programme included the ceremonial lighting of the oil lamp, the national anthems of Thailand and Sri Lanka, the official introduction of GEM SRI LANKA 2027, promotional presentations, Gold Sponsor recognition, an industry leadership panel discussion, a sustainability presentation and a special stage performance.
The event concluded with the Grand Launch of GEM SRI LANKA 2027 and a fellowship dinner.
From Bangkok to Colombo
The selection of Bangkok for the international launch further strengthened the longstanding relationship between the Thai and Sri Lankan gem and jewellery industries.
It also created a platform for Sri Lankan traders to connect with international buyers, investors and potential business partners.
For the Ceylon Gem & Jewellery Traders Association and Sri Lanka’s gem industry, the event marks a significant milestone, as GEM SRI LANKA officially took its story beyond the country’s borders for the first time.
The next chapter will take place in Colombo, with GEM SRI LANKA 2027 scheduled for 7–9 January 2027 at Shangri-La Colombo. The exhibition is expected to bring together Sri Lanka’s leading gemstones, local and international traders, buyers, investors and industry professionals.
With its international launch in Bangkok, GEM SRI LANKA 2027 is positioning itself not only as an exhibition, but as a platform through which Sri Lanka can strengthen its presence in the global gemstone trade and promote the heritage, expertise and international potential of the island’s gem industry.
