The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), with the support of the Sri Lanka High Commission in New Delhi and the Sri Lanka Consulate in Mumbai, is leading a Sri Lankan business delegation to India from August 8 to 13, 2026. The initiative aims to strengthen bilateral trade and investment relations while creating new opportunities for Sri Lanka’s gem and jewellery industry in the Indian market.

The delegation brings together senior representatives from the EDB and the National Gem and Jewellery Authority (NGJA), industry associations and leading Sri Lankan gem and jewellery companies. Participating organizations include the Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Association, Lanka Gem Dealers & Miners Association, Ceylon Gem & Jewellery Traders Association, as well as companies such as Gem Paradise, Punsiri Gems, Mansoor Gems, Beauty Gems, Gemluxe Ceylon, Ashadi Jewellers, GemTrad, Ceylon Gemora and Cey Gems.

Strengthening Industry Connections in India

As part of the delegation’s programme, representatives visited the India International Jewellery Show (IIJS), held on August 8 and 9 at the Jio World Convention Centre and Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai.

The visit provided Sri Lankan delegates with an opportunity to gain deeper insights into India’s dynamic gem and jewellery market while engaging with leading buyers, manufacturers, exhibitors and other industry stakeholders. Discussions focused on expanding bilateral trade, developing new areas of cooperation and establishing stronger commercial partnerships between Sri Lankan and Indian companies.

India is one of the world’s major jewellery manufacturing and trading hubs, making it an important market for Sri Lankan exporters. Through the delegation, Sri Lanka aims to strengthen its position in the Indian market and facilitate greater connections between Sri Lankan businesses and Indian buyers, manufacturers, traders and investors.

Promoting Trade and Investment Opportunities

A series of trade and investment promotion events was scheduled from August 10 to 12 in collaboration with leading Indian chambers and business organizations.

On August 10, the delegation participated in meetings with the Bombay Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) and the Maharashtra Chambers of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture (MACCIA). The Consul General of Sri Lanka in Mumbai delivered opening remarks, highlighting the importance of strengthening commercial ties and encouraging closer engagement between the business communities of the two countries.

The EDB Chairman presented an overview of trade and investment opportunities available in Sri Lanka and India, with particular emphasis on expanding cooperation in the gem and jewellery sector. Areas discussed included sourcing, investment, strategic partnerships and business collaborations between companies in both countries.

The delegation also used the platform to promote Sri Lanka Expo 2027, which is scheduled to take place from January 14 to 17, 2027, at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) in Colombo. International buyers were invited to attend the event, while companies specializing in advanced technologies, machinery and other export-related industries were encouraged to participate.

Highlighting Sri Lanka’s Gem and Jewellery Strengths

The Chairman of the National Gem and Jewellery Authority highlighted Sri Lanka’s longstanding reputation for natural gemstones, skilled craftsmanship and industry expertise. The presentation also emphasized the country’s potential to attract international investment into the gem and jewellery sector.

Indian investors and business representatives were encouraged to explore partnerships with Sri Lankan companies and consider investment opportunities across the industry.

Representatives of participating Sri Lankan gem and jewellery companies also presented their individual businesses, products, capabilities and areas of commercial interest. These presentations helped showcase the diversity and expertise of Sri Lanka’s industry while strengthening the country’s image as a source of ethically sourced gemstones, fine jewellery and value-added gem and jewellery products.

The participating industry associations further promoted key Sri Lankan industry events, including Gem City Rathnapura, FACETS 2027 and Gem Sri Lanka, creating additional opportunities for international buyers and industry stakeholders to engage with Sri Lanka’s gem and jewellery sector.

Expanding Bilateral Business Engagement

Further trade and investment promotion events were scheduled for August 11 and 12 in collaboration with the World Trade Centre Mumbai, the All India Association of Industries, the International Chamber of Investment and Business (ICIB), and the Mahratta Chamber of Commerce, Industries & Agriculture in Pune.

These engagements are expected to bring together business leaders, chambers of commerce, industry representatives and potential investors to identify opportunities for increasing trade and investment between Sri Lanka and India, particularly within the gem and jewellery sector.

According to the EDB, the delegation forms part of Sri Lanka’s broader strategy to promote its export industries internationally and strengthen commercial relationships with key overseas markets. The initiative also contributes to building momentum towards Sri Lanka Expo 2027, which will provide Sri Lankan exporters with an international platform to showcase their products and services to global buyers and business partners.

Overall, the delegation represents a significant step towards deepening Sri Lanka–India economic cooperation while positioning Sri Lanka’s gem and jewellery industry for greater market access, investment and international growth.