From January 7 to 9, 2026, Gem Sri Lanka 2026 took center stage at the iconic Shangri-La Hotel in Colombo, bringing together the world’s leading gem traders, collectors, jewellery designers, and gemstone enthusiasts for three days of vibrant business, culture, and discovery.
Organised by the Ceylon Gem and Jewellery Traders Association (CGJTA) — the largest trade body in Sri Lanka’s gemstone and jewelry sector with over 2,000 members — Gem Sri Lanka has quickly risen to become one of Asia’s most prestigious gemstone exhibitions. This year’s event underscored Sri Lanka’s importance on the global gem stage and reflected the industry’s continued growth and international appeal.
A Landmark Event for the Gem Industry
Gem Sri Lanka 2026 featured an expanded exhibition floor with well over 100 world-class exhibitors, showcasing a rich diversity of coloured gemstones, including Ceylon sapphires, rubies, emeralds, and rare collector stones sourced from across Sri Lanka and beyond.
Buyers, suppliers, and visitors from more than 50 countries attended, making this edition one of the most globally attended yet. Renowned industry professionals and buyers from the USA, Europe, China, Britain, Italy, Russia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia and other key markets were present, highlighting the show’s broad international reach.
Official Opening and Distinguished Guests
The exhibition was officially opened with great enthusiasm by Her Excellency Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, who was the distinguished guest at the opening ceremony. Senior government officials, including Minister of Industries and Industrial Development Sunil Handunnetti, also graced the event, recognizing its economic importance and its contribution to Sri Lanka’s global trade presence.
Industry Engagement and Trade Opportunities
Throughout the three days, Gem Sri Lanka 2026 offered:
- Extensive networking opportunities for international buyers, exporters, and gem professionals.
- Exhibitor showcases spanning the entire gem value chain — from mining and rough gemstones to precision cutting, polishing, and finished jewellery.
- High-end gemstone presentations that highlighted the beauty and rarity of Sri Lanka’s world-renowned sapphires and other coloured stones.
- Live product displays that demonstrated craftsmanship, design innovation, and current market trends.
The energy and professionalism throughout the event reflected the growing confidence of the global gemstone market, with many exhibitors reporting strong buyer interest and promising new business connections.
Connecting Sri Lanka to the World
Gem Sri Lanka 2026 continues the tradition of positioning Sri Lanka as a leading global gemstone hub — a platform where tradition and innovation meet. By drawing international participation and fostering long-term commercial partnerships, the exhibition plays a crucial role in strengthening both export growth and the global reputation of Ceylon gemstones.
Visitors and exhibitors alike left the event inspired by Sri Lanka’s gemstone heritage and optimistic about the future of international trade in coloured gemstones.
