Ambassador of Sri Lanka Meets President of the Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders Association to Strengthen Bilateral Collaboration

Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Thailand, Wijayanthi Edirisinghe, met with Chomphol Phornchindarak, President of the Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders Association (TGJTA), to discuss strengthening collaboration between Sri Lanka and Thailand in the gem and jewellery industry on 21st January 2025. The meeting was attended by members of the TGJTA Board of Directors and prominent Sri Lankan gem and jewellery traders who are based in Bangkok.

The TGJTA, a leading organization in Thailand’s gem and jewellery sector, plays a vital role in supporting businesses, promoting trade, and advocating for the industry, solidifying Thailand’s status as a global hub for gemstones and jewellery.

During the meeting, Ambassador Edirisinghe highlighted the long-standing history of collaboration between Sri Lanka and Thailand in the gem and jewellery sector. She emphasized Sri Lanka’s global reputation for its high-quality gemstones, particularly Ceylon sapphires, renowned for their vibrant colors and ethical sourcing. Notably, precious and semi-precious stones have become Sri Lanka’s dominant export item to Thailand, further strengthening trade ties between the two nations.

President Phornchindarak warmly welcomed the Ambassador and expressed TGJTA’s willingness to support Sri Lanka in setting up a jewellery trade center, modeled after Thailand’s successful framework. He also recalled his recent visit to Sri Lanka for the FACETS and Gem Sri Lanka exhibitions earlier this month and assured TGJTA’s assistance to Sri Lankan gem and jewellery companies. The President of the Gems, Jewelry, and Precious Metal Confederation of Thailand, Somchai Phornchindarak, shared his personal connection to Sri Lanka, recalling his gem trading journey with the country that began 60 years ago.

Ambassador Edirisinghe requested TGJTA to explore joint ventures in jewellery design and manufacturing, leveraging the expertise and craftsmanship of both nations, encourage Thai investors to explore opportunities in Sri Lanka’s gem and jewellery sector, such as setting up manufacturing and export hubs and promote Sri Lankan gem and jewellery exhibitions, including FACETS and Gem Sri Lanka, to attract international buyers and investors.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to further enhance the longstanding partnership between Sri Lanka and Thailand in the gem and jewellery sector, paving the way for deeper trade and investment collaboration. First Secretary/Head of Chancery, A.W.S. Samanmali and Counsellor (Commercial), Vireshika Bandara also joined the discussion.

Embassy and Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka
Bangkok
24th January 2025