Sri Lanka is stepping up efforts to expand its gem and jewellery exports to India through a high-level business delegation focused on strengthening bilateral trade, investment and industry partnerships.
Organised by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) with the support of the Sri Lankan High Commission in New Delhi and the Consulate in Mumbai, the delegation is visiting India from August 8 to 13. The programme brings together senior government officials, industry associations and leading Sri Lankan gem and jewellery companies.
The delegation includes the Chairmen of the EDB and the National Gem and Jewellery Authority (NGJA), together with officials and representatives from the Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Association, Lanka Gem Dealers & Miners Association and Ceylon Gem & Jewellery Traders Association.
Several Sri Lankan companies are also participating in the initiative, presenting their products, capabilities and areas of business interest to potential Indian partners.
On August 8 and 9, the delegation participated in the India International Jewellery Show (IIJS) in Mumbai, where Sri Lankan representatives engaged with leading buyers, manufacturers, traders and other industry stakeholders.
Following the exhibition, the programme continued with a series of trade and investment promotion meetings with major Indian business chambers, including the Bombay Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Maharashtra Chambers of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture.
During these engagements, the EDB highlighted opportunities to expand sourcing, business partnerships, investment and commercial collaborations between Sri Lankan and Indian companies. The delegation also promoted Sri Lanka Expo 2027, scheduled to take place from January 14 to 17 at the BMICH in Colombo.
The Chairman of the NGJA highlighted Sri Lanka’s internationally recognised natural gemstones, skilled craftsmanship and extensive industry expertise. Indian investors were also invited to explore potential partnerships and investment opportunities within Sri Lanka’s gem and jewellery sector.
Sri Lankan companies participating in the delegation showcased their products and capabilities while positioning the country as a premium destination for ethically sourced gemstones and value-added jewellery.
The initiative is expected to strengthen connections between businesses in the two countries while creating new opportunities for Sri Lankan exporters to access India’s large and growing gem and jewellery market. Through greater trade, investment and industry collaboration, Sri Lanka aims to build a stronger presence in the Indian market and further expand the international reach of its gem and jewellery sector.
National SME Forum “Scale Up 2.0” Connects Sri Lankan SMEs with Markets, Finance and Business Support
The National SME Forum “Scale Up 2.0,” organised by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, brought together Sri Lanka’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and key stakeholders from the wider business ecosystem to create new opportunities for market access, financing, expertise and business growth.
Held in Colombo on August 11, the forum focused on the practical challenges that directly affect the ability of SMEs to expand and become more competitive. These included access to domestic and export markets, procurement opportunities, standards and certification, investment readiness, financing and digital adoption.
The event also provided a platform for SMEs to establish new commercial relationships and connect with larger businesses, supply chains and support organisations.
Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Chathuranga Abeysinghe attended the event as Chief Guest and delivered the keynote address.
Ceylon Chamber Chairperson Krishan Balendra delivered the welcome address, while Secretary General and CEO of the Ceylon Chamber Shiran Fernando provided an update on progress since Scale Up 1.0. His presentation included developments arising from previous discussions and insights gathered through the SME survey conducted during the earlier initiative.
Country Manager for Visa – Sri Lanka and the Maldives Avanthi Colombage also delivered a special address.
Discussions at the forum explored how SMEs can gain access to new domestic and international markets, establish connections with larger companies and supply chains, and meet the increasingly important standards, testing and certification requirements expected by customers and business partners.
The forum also examined the challenges SMEs face as they move into the next stage of their growth. Key areas included access to finance, investment readiness, corporate governance, taxation and strategies for developing more structured and scalable enterprises.
Importantly, Scale Up 2.0 extended beyond dialogue by providing direct networking and business engagement opportunities. A networking lunch and exhibition enabled participating SMEs to interact with organisations supporting business development.
Corporate networking sessions were also facilitated through corporate procurement desks, thematic cluster tables and business advisory services.
Sri Lanka Targets Greater Share of India’s Expanding Gem and Jewellery Market
