Business

Gemological Report of Ceylon sets new global benchmark for local gemstone certification

Published

7 months ago

2026/02/16

The facility utilises a screening process where three gemologists evaluate each stone independently to ensure error-free results Pic by Nishan S. Priyantha

Steps into a critical void to earn recognition in international markets

For decades, Sri Lanka has been globally revered as the “Island of Gems,” yet the industry has long grappled with a paradoxical challenge: while the Sri Lankan soil yields the world’s finest stones, the local certification process has often struggled to command the same recognition in international markets.

Stepping into this critical void is the Gemological Report of Ceylon (GRC). Located at No. 97, Galle Road, Colombo 3, this newly launched laboratory is on a mission to redefine the standards of local gem certification, ensuring that the “fatherhood” of Sri Lankan gemstones remains firmly within its home soil.

Founded by Milinda Edirisinghe, a seasoned gemologist with over 20 years of experience in mining, trading, and geological study, GRC is the result of a lifelong observation of the industry’s “trust gap.”

“I saw a critical disparity,” says Edirisinghe, who received specialised training in Thailand, the global hub for gemstone treatments. “Sri Lankan exporters often face unfair skepticism in markets like Thailand, Hong Kong, and the US. International buyers often view local reports with doubt. I launched GRC to provide a local institute that is on par with the highest-caliber laboratories in the world.”

He made these comments while speaking to media at the new laboratory.

According to him, in its first month of operation, GRC has already seen a surge in demand, processing 30 to 40 stones daily – a success driven largely by its word-of-mouth reputation.

Milinda Edirisinghe performs a sensory inspection of a gemstone using a loupe to assess its initial characteristics

“The lab’s rapid growth is built on a foundation of total transparency. Unlike traditional setups, GRC employs a rigorous triple-blind screening process: three independent gemologists evaluate each specimen – from Sapphires, Ruby and Emeralds to semi-precious stones, polycrystals, rare meteorites, and even organic materials like natural Pearls, and rare coral species etc., used in high-end jewelry. By evaluating the stones without consulting one another, the three gemologists’ independent findings are then synthesised into a final, authoritative and error-free assessment,” he explained.

“As gemstone treatments become increasingly sophisticated – ranging from Beryllium diffusion to evolving heat and irradiation treatments – the need for advanced technology is paramount. GRC’s facility is equipped to identify the full spectrum of enhancements, ensuring the end consumer knows the exact “human intervention” history of their asset,” he further said.

However, Edirisinghe maintains that technology is a tool, not a replacement. When asked if AI could eventually handle the certification job alone, he noted:

“AI already assists our workflow to an extent, but a human gemologist remains an indispensable part of the process. Just as a surgeon uses advanced technology to enhance precision, they must still be present to execute the nuances of a complex operation. AI cannot truly ‘see,’ touch, or feel the soul of a stone.”

He further added, “AI can support our findings, but it cannot replace the gemologist’s ‘eye-view’ and the tactile senses that go a long way in issuing an accurate certification.”

Furthermore, GRC leverages an international expert network. “If we encounter a complex inclusion, we utilize virtual screen-sharing with leading labs in Thailand for real-time peer review,” Edirisinghe explains. “Our conclusions are science-based facts, not just opinions.”

Beyond technical excellence, GRC serves a vital economic purpose. Historically, local dealers spent thousands of dollars obtaining international certificates. GRC offers these world-class reports at a fraction of the cost, with detailed certificates starting from LKR 15,000 for full reports, a medium report at LKR 6,000, “memo cards” at LKR 1,500, and verbal opinions for LKR 500.

“By providing a credible, globally-recognised home-based laboratory, we are stemming the outflow of foreign currency to international labs,” said Edirisinghe.

With plans to participate in upcoming exhibitions in Dubai, Hong Kong, and the USA, GRC is positioning itself as a global contender. As the industry shifts toward “knowledgeable customers” who view jewellery as a liquid asset, GRC stands ready to provide the clarity and integrity the Sri Lankan gem industry deserves.

“If Sri Lanka produces the best stones in the world, it is only right that we also provide the world-class expertise to certify them. Our mission is to ensure that the ‘fatherhood’ of these precious stones remains in Sri Lanka, backed by a certificate that is respected from the USA to the European Union,” Edirisinghe said in conclusion.

By Sanath Nanayakkare

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Business

SLEIS 2026 to examine how Sri Lanka can strengthen its place in Asia’s growth networks

Published

21 hours ago

2026/09/16

Sahan Weerasooriya

Ambassador Akio ISOMATA / Chathuranga Abeysinghe / P.D. Singh

As Asia continues to account for a growing share of global economic activity, Sri Lanka faces an important opportunity to strengthen its links with regional trade networks, supply chains and economic corridors. How the country can make better use of these connections to attract investment, expand trade and strengthen its position in regional value chains will be among the key questions at the Sri Lanka Economic & Investment Summit 2026, organised by The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce on 12-13 October 2026.

Titled “Linking Sri Lanka to Asia’s Growth Networks: Trade, Corridors, and Value Chains,” the session will examine the opportunities for Sri Lanka to deepen its integration with the wider Asian economy and build stronger connections with regional and global markets.

The session keynote will be delivered by P.D Singh – Chief Executive Officer, India and South Asia, Standard Chartered Bank. He will be joined for a panel discussion by Chathuranga Abeysinghe – Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, Akio ISOMATA – Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka, MASAAKI Kawabata – Chairman – Toyota Lanka (Private) Limited, and Ravi Jayawardena – Group Chief Executive Officer-Maliban Biscuits (Private) Limited. The session will be moderated by Ms. Subhashini Abeysinghe – Research Director- Verité Research.

For Sri Lanka, stronger regional integration can open opportunities beyond traditional export markets. Greater participation in regional supply chains, improved trade connectivity and closer links to economic corridors can support investment in areas such as logistics, manufacturing, export services and other sectors connected to international production networks.

The discussion will consider what Sri Lanka needs to do to strengthen its position within these networks, including improving trade connectivity, attracting investment and creating a business environment that enables companies to participate more effectively in regional and global value chains.

It will also look at the experience of businesses and international institutions operating across the region, providing perspectives on how companies assess markets, build supply chains and identify locations for investment. With supply chains and investment flows increasingly shaped by regional connectivity, the session will also consider the partnerships and strategies needed to position Sri Lanka as a more competitive participant in Asia’s growth networks, while creating opportunities for trade, investment, innovation and economic growth.

The session will form part of the second day of SLEIS 2026, held under the theme “Positioning Sri Lanka in a Changing Global Economy: Resilience, Reform, and the Future of Economic Policy.”

The Sri Lanka Economic & Investment Summit 2026 is supported by its valued sponsors and partners. Platinum Sponsor – Standard Chartered Bank Sri Lanka, Gold Sponsor – VISA Worldwide (Pvt) Ltd., Bronze Sponsor – South Asia Gateway Terminals (Pvt) Ltd., Strategic Development Partner – Asian Development Bank, Telecommunication Partner – Dialog Telecommunication, Television Partner – Dialog Television, Session Sponsors – David Pieris Motor Company (Pvt) Ltd., Hemas Holdings PLC, Sunshine Holdings PLC, International Construction Consortium (Pvt) Ltd., Official Logistics Partner – Hayleys Advantis Limited, Official Airline – SriLankan Airlines Ltd., Official Hospitality Partner – Shangri-La Colombo, Airline Partner – China Eastern Air Holding Co. Ltd.

Registrations are now open at https://sleis.chamber.lk/. For more information, contact Alikie on 011 558 8805 (alikie@chamber.lk) or Shanuka on 0701082541 (events.division@chamber.lk).

Business

AAC launches seat belt safety awareness initiative with RDA Colombo

Published

21 hours ago

2026/09/16

Sahan Weerasooriya

The Automobile Association of Ceylon (AAC), in collaboration with the Road Development Authority (RDA) and Police – Traffic Division, will conduct a special Road Safety Awareness Programme to promote the importance of wearing seat belts in vehicles specially on the express highways in order to reduce road fatalities and serious injuries.

The official handing-over ceremony took place at the Chairman’s Office of the Road Development Authority on 14th September 2026, where specially designed Seat Belt Safety Hanging Tags & Stickers prepared by the Automobile Association of Ceylon were handed over to the RDA for distribution to motorists at entry points to the expressways.

The initiative is being conducted in connection with the seat belt law coming into effect on 19th September 2026 and is intended to create greater public awareness of the importance of wearing seat belts in both the front and rear seats of vehicles.

Representing the Automobile Association of Ceylon at the ceremony Dhammika Attygalle, President; Prasanna De Zoysa, Sectional Chairman – Road Safety; and Devapriya Hettiarachchi, Secretary, Senior Superintendent of Police -Traffic Sisira Peththrathanthri, participated in the programme.

The Automobile Association of Ceylon has consistently maintained that road safety is one of its foremost priorities. Through awareness campaigns, educational programmes and collaboration with government authorities and other stakeholders, the Association continues to encourage responsible driving and safer behaviour among all road users.

AAC believes that the proper use of seat belts, including by rear-seat passengers, is a simple but vital safety measure that can help reduce serious injuries and save lives in the event of a road crash.

The programme further strengthens the cooperation between the Automobile Association of Ceylon, the Road Development Authority and the Police in their shared commitment towards safer roads and saving lives in Sri Lanka.

Business

Sanath Jayasuriya as Brand Ambassador

Published

21 hours ago

2026/09/16

Sahan Weerasooriya

Mr. Dasun Wickramarathna, Chairman Global Housing & Real Estate (Pvt) Ltd with Sanath Jayasuriya, World Renown Personality & Brand Ambassador

Global Housing & Real Estate (Pvt) Ltd (GHR) has announced a landmark partnership with Sri Lankan cricket legend Sanath Jayasuriya, as its Brand Ambassador as GHR enters a new chapter in its journey within Sri Lanka’s luxury real estate sector.

The partnership was officially unveiled at a press conference held at Cinnamon Life, Colombo, on 14 September 2026, bringing together industry leaders, investors and members of the media under the theme “Two Gamechangers, A New Beginning.”

The collaboration brings together two names associated with challenging convention in their respective fields: Sanath Jayasuriya, whose fearless approach transformed the dynamics of international cricket, and GHR, which has sought to introduce new approaches to property investment and luxury living in Sri Lanka.

Over the past two decades, GHR has built its presence in Sri Lanka’s real estate sector with a focus on quality, structural integrity and long-term investment value.

A significant milestone in the company’s journey came in 2016, when GHR introduced the hotel residency concept to the Sri Lankan market. The model brought together luxury hospitality and real estate investment, creating opportunities for property ownership with the potential to generate investment returns while contributing to the growth of the country’s high-end tourism offering. GHR has since continued to expand its portfolio across key destinations in Sri Lanka.

Speaking at the announcement, Dasun Wickramarathna, Chairman of Global Housing & Real Estate (Pvt) Ltd, said, “For over twenty years, Global Housing & Real Estate has strived to push the boundaries of what property development can achieve in Sri Lanka. As pioneers who introduced the hotel residency concept back in 2016, our mission has always been clear: to provide high-yield investment opportunities for our clients while taking Sri Lanka’s condominium industry into a new frontier.”

Commenting on the decision to partner with Sanath Jayasuriya, he added, “When looking for a voice to represent GHR’s ethos, Sanath Jayasuriya was the natural choice. Just as Sanath disrupted traditional international cricket and redefined how the world viewed the opening overs, GHR challenged traditional approaches to real estate and established a new benchmark in luxury living. This partnership represents a true convergence; Two Gamechangers, A New Beginning.”