The Ambassador, Dr. Palitha Kohona was invited (He was the only Ambassador) invited as the guest speaker at the China International Gem and Jewellery Exhibition in Beijing on 16^th March, 2023.  The other dignitaries present were; Mr. Song Ruixiang, former Minister of Ministry of Geology and Mineral Resources，Meritorious president of Gems ＆ Jewelry Trade Association of China, Mr. Xu Deming, former Vice Minister of the Ministry of Land and Resources, Former President of Gems ＆ Jewelry Trade Association of China, Mr. Ye Zhibin, President of Gems ＆ Jewelry Trade Association of China, Chairman of National Gemstone Testing Centre and Mr. Bi Lijun, Vice President and Secretary General of Gems ＆ Jewelry Trade Association of China.  Ambassador Kohona was assisted by Mrs. Nalika Kodikara, Minister Counselor / Commercial and Ms. Liu Xia, Commercial Assistant.

The exhibition covered an area of approximately 30,000 sq. meters and hundreds of Gems, Jade and Jewellery merchants participated.  Many of the exhibits were in the luxury category.  Sri Lanka was represented by AR Gems, NN Gems, Ceylon Sapphires International, Zam Gems, Domico Gems and AR Divine Gems.

Ambassador Dr. Palitha Kohona addresses the opening ceremony said, “ Today, as we seek to extricate ourselves from the financial crisis, we are seeking to promote Chinese tourism to Sri Lanka. We are seeking Chinese investments in Sri Lanka. We are seeking to enhance Sri Lanka’s exports to China, including more of our fabled gems.

Your presence here encourages me to invite you to focus on Sri Lanka, especially on our rich array of gems. I have noticed the widespread interest in Sri Lanka and its products, especially in our glittering array of gems.

Our gems have attracted the attention of traders, kings and emperors since time immemorial. Especially in China, Sri Lankan sapphires are highly sought after. No wonder that we are known as the capital of the Blue Sapphire. The late Princess Diana chose a blue sapphire from Sri Lanka to adorn her engagement ring. Today it glints on the ring finger of her attractive daughter in law.

Although we have been digging up a variety valuable stones from our river beds and valleys, stones continue to be found in abundance. The mother Lord appears to be inexhaustible.”

Embassy of Sri Lanka

Beijing

16 March 2023