A 20-member delegation of professionals from Sri Lanka’s Gem and Jewellery sector visited India from 1–20 December 2025 to participate in a specialised Training and Capacity-Building Programme. The delegation comprised experts representing the gemstone cutting and polishing segments of Sri Lanka’s renowned Gem and Jewellery industry, reflecting the country’s ongoing efforts to enhance technical expertise and global competitiveness.
The programme was organised following an announcement made by the Prime Minister of India, H.E. Narendra Modi, during his visit to Sri Lanka in April 2025. As part of a broader bilateral cooperation initiative, India committed to providing 700 customised training slots annually for Sri Lankan professionals. This initiative underscores the shared commitment of both nations to promote skills development, knowledge exchange, and people-centric economic collaboration in high-value sectors such as Gem and Jewellery.
The 20-day training programme was conducted by the Government of India at the prestigious Indian Institute of Gem and Jewellery (IIGJ) in Jaipur, Rajasthan. The curriculum was carefully structured to provide participants with a holistic understanding of the Gem and Jewellery value chain, blending technical proficiency with industry insights. Core modules included cleaving and sawing, pre-forming, shaping, cutting and faceting, polishing, and quality assessment. These sessions were complemented by thematic lectures, practical demonstrations, and interactive workshops aimed at strengthening design capabilities, production efficiency, and quality standards within Sri Lanka’s gemstone industry.
A distinctive feature of the programme was its experiential learning component, where participants visited leading gemstone manufacturing units across India. These site visits offered first-hand exposure to contemporary production technologies, design development methodologies, and modern retail practices, enabling participants to benchmark international best practices and integrate innovative techniques into their own operations. The hands-on experience also facilitated discussions on emerging trends, technological advancements, and sustainable practices within the global Gem and Jewellery sector. Beyond technical training, the programme fostered valuable professional networking and industry linkages. Delegates engaged with Indian counterparts, industry experts, and academic faculty, promoting cross-border collaboration, knowledge exchange, and mutual learning. Such interactions are expected to contribute to the long-term growth of the Sri Lankan Gem and Jewellery sector by enhancing design sophistication, production capabilities, and global market reach.
The initiative reflects a strategic vision shared by India and Sri Lanka to deepen institutional and industrial cooperation through capacity-building programmes. By equipping professionals with advanced skills and contemporary industry knowledge, the programme strengthens not only individual competencies but also the resilience and competitiveness of Sri Lanka’s Gem and Jewellery sector. The success of this training underscores the importance of sustained bilateral engagement, people-to-people connections, and knowledge-driven partnerships in fostering economic development. As the delegation returns to Sri Lanka, the expertise and insights gained from this specialised programme are expected to catalyse innovation, elevate industry standards, and strengthen collaboration between the two countries, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing journey of capacity building in the Gem and Jewellery sector.
