01. To unite the industry that was scattered
     02. To attract foreign markets to Sri Lanka
     03. To strengthen the industry and promote its development

The Sri Lanka Gem & Jewellery Association (SLGJA) was declared and recognized as the Apex Trade Association representing the gem & jewellery industry of Sri Lanka in the 2003 budget of the Government of Sri Lanka.

The Sri Lanka Gem & Jewellery Association (SLGJA) was declared and recognized as the Apex Trade Association representing the gem & jewellery industry of Sri Lanka in the 2003 budget of the Government of Sri Lanka.

The Sri Lanka Gem Traders Association which had been constituted under the auspices of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce in 1970, was restructured as Company Limited by Guarantee in March 2002 by incorporation under the provisions of The Companies Act No of 1982. In the same year the four leading trade association in the country decided to merge together to form an Apex Organization.

Accordingly, in October 2002, three trade association namely, the Sri Lanka Jewellery Manufacturing Exporters Association (Established in 1979), the Sri Lanka Lapidarists and Exporters Association (Established in 1985) and the Sri Lanka Jewellers and Gem Merchants Federation (Established in 1969), merged with the Sri Lanka Gem Traders Association (Established in 1970) and founded the Sri Lanka Gem & Jewellery Association.

The SLGJA as the successor of 4 trade association stands as the oldest trade organization representing the gem & jewellery industry of Sri Lanka.

The Sri LankaGem& Jewellery Association (SLGJA), was incorporated in Sri Lanka under the provisions of the Companies Act and limited by guarantee. This is the apex trade association in the gem & jewellery industry in Sri Lanka, representing the interests of all the different sub-sectors of the industry from mining to manufacturing to trading.

The Sri Lanka Gem & Jewellery Association is the organization behind FACETS Sri Lanka, and the FACETS International Gem & Jewellery Trade Show is the flagship activity of the Association.

The origins of this association dates back to 30 years which makes it the oldest trade association in the industry, with a membership that is close to 350. The Association is also the largest trade organization in the industry. Virtually all the leading firms in this industry are members, from firms in mining to wholesaling to lapidary to jewellery manufacturing to exporting to retailing to supplying tools, machinery and equipment. It is also noteworthy that the members of the Association account for over 75% of the gem & jewellery exports from Sri Lanka.

Within the association there are very focused committees which encompasses the various aspects of the industry Gems, Jewellery, Lapidary, Promotions and Trade Fairs. However, the SLGJA is not the apex association only because it is the oldest or the biggest, but because of the leadership that we provide this industry. Our membership also accepts that the price of leadership is responsibility and regards that responsibility very seriously.

The Association plays a lead role in formulating industry level strategies that increase the productivity and competitiveness in the industry.

Working in close cooperation with two state agencies, the National Gem & Jewellery Authority and the Sri Lanka Export Development Board, we advocate national policy and provide guidance on regulations, in order to create a conducive and competitive business environment in our industry. The duty free import of raw material inputs such as gold, diamonds and gems, the special provisions in the exchange control regulations exclusively for this industry, the attractive tax incentives available to our industry, the enactment of VAT refunds at the airport, simplified customs procedures, the designation of the gem and jewellery industry as a thrust industry are a few of the achievements of this Association and are the results of our untiring efforts and farsighted actions to develop the industry.

Several years ago, we proposed the establishment of a world class gem testing facility in Sri Lanka but we did not stop at that, our members have already contributed the major part of Rs. 100 million needed to establish the laboratory. The Association has worked equally hard at growing our country's exports by strengthening international market linkages through the FACETS trade show. The FACETS Show has been successfully conducted for 18th consecutive years since 1991 and its steady growth is a clear testimony to its relevance and importance. This trade show is strategically important in bringing Sri Lanka to the center stage of the global gem and jewellery industry.

The SLGJA is also involved in human resource development activities in the industry through our associate organization, the Gem & Jewellery Institute, which delivers advanced technical training to those already employed in the industry or seeking a career in the industry. The institute also conducts a series of programs in areas of crafting, stone setting, design and finishing with the participation of trainers from the University of Central England in Birmingham, UK.

At the request of the Association the Finance Ministry set up the Gem & Jewellery cluster of the National Council for Economic Development. The purpose of the cluster is to address and resolve policy, regulatory and procedural constraints that impede the growth and development of the industry.

With the initiative of the association Sri Lanka Export Development Board has set up the advisory committee on Gem & Jewellery to advice on all matters pertaining to the industry. The association continues to influence bilateral and multi lateral trade discussions via the trade cell of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, providing on behalf of the gem and jewellery industry a position paper to the department of commerce and BOI with views to be considered in relation to Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements.

The association pioneered the creation of a gem & jewellery web portal in Sri Lanka "www.slgja.org" through which we ensure that our industry and members have a presence in cyberspace. The SLGJA also publishes a quarterly newsletter titled the MALAWA to keep members and industry stakeholders informed and updated on the latest developments in the industry.

Held annually in Colombo since 1991, Facets Sri Lanka made an exciting new beginning in September 2005 when the show moved to a new venue, the BMICH Exhibition and Convention Centre in Colombo. Exhibitors increased by more than 50 percent and the show took on a whole new professional and international atmosphere, with new booths displaying a greater variety of fine gemstones and exquisite jewellery. To give the show an international flavour, producers and wholesalers from the main gemstone producing countries in Africa, Asia, South America and Australia are invited to exhibit their gemstone products at the show.