Arab travellers showing keen interest in Sri Lanka's gems

Arab travellers to the tropical island of Sri Lanka are showing a keen interest in the country's precious stones, according to a research conducted by Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau's Middle (SLTPB) East office.

"Arab visitors surveyed by our offices, particularly female visitors confirmed one of their primary reasons for visiting the country was to shop for precious stones," said Heba Al Ghais Al Mansoori, Middle East Director of SLTPB.

Al Mansoori said Sri Lanka is a leading producer of gems in the world. In fact, it is home to 40 of the 85 varieties of gems in the world. Among them are the rare Alexandrite, Sapphire, Cat's Eye, Ruby, Topaz, Garnet, Zircon, Quartz, Tourmaline and Feldspar.

Sri Lanka is currently positioned in the global market as a source of supply of high quality sapphires and as a supplier of cut and polished, free size and calibrated stones and more recently as a supplier of modern jewellery. The Sri Lankan gem sector currently earns Dh1.83 billion ($500 million) in exports earning.

"Sri Lankan gems have been admired and sought after by the rich and famous for thousands of years. Legend has it that King Solomon wooed Queen Sheba by presenting her with a beautiful ruby from Sri Lanka," said Al Mansoori.

Arab merchants are believed to have been familiar with the jewels of 'Serendib' giving colour to the fable "Arabian Nights" and the voyages of "Sindbad the Sailor". A 400-carat Blue Sapphire adorns the British Crown even today.

The famous Arab traveller Ibn Battuta who travelled to Sri Lanka between 1333 and 1341 AD wrote: "All the women in the island of Ceylon have necklaces of rubies of different colours and wear them also on their arms and legs in place of bracelets and anklets," Al Mansoori said. The largest star ruby in the world valued at over $25m is also a product of Sri Lanka. The Rosser Reeves Star Ruby is a 138.7-carat stone and is recognised as the largest and finest star ruby in the world. It is named after Rosser Reeves the American advertising-guru who developed the unique selling proposition (USP) concept. Reeves donated the gem to the Smithsonian Institute in 1965 and it is now a prized exhibit at the American Museum of Natural History.

"Most of Sri Lanka's precious stones are mined in the district of Ratnapura," observed Al Mansoori. "The city by the same name is the centre for trading in gems. It lies at the foot of the 2243 metre high Adam's Peak considered sacred by major religions in Sri Lanka. It is also a launch-pad for an excursion into Sinharaja, the country's largest rainforest."

Known as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka's beauty is not confined to precious stones. A visit to Sri Lanka would be an opportunity to sample the wild natural beauty of the country including the scenic waterfalls, spice and tea plantations, bird and wildlife reserves, tropical jungle excursions and the luxurious yet eco-friendly accommodation. The country has beautiful beaches all around.

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