Value‑addition inside Sri Lanka could boost earnings from precious stones

Experts argue that to capture the full economic benefit, Sri Lanka must expand domestic activities such as cutting, polishing, branding, certification and jewellery making. Each step creates jobs, builds technical expertise, raises tax revenue and earns foreign exchange.

If these processes remain overseas, the country forfeits most of the margin. Strengthening the local gemstone value chain could turn the sector into a significant engine of growth.