FACETS Sri Lanka 2026 was officially inaugurated at Cinnamon Life – The City of Dreams, marking a significant milestone for Asia’s premier gem and jewellery exhibition. Now in its 33rd edition, the event opens with a bold, future-focused vision that honours Sri Lanka’s rich gem heritage while positioning the industry for its next phase of global growth.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by Chief Guest Hon. Vijitha Herath, Minister of Foreign Affairs, along with Hon. Sunil Handunnetti, Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development, underscoring FACETS’ national importance and its standing as Sri Lanka’s foremost international platform for the global gem and jewellery trade.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Akram Cassim, President of the Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Association (SLGJA), stated that FACETS Sri Lanka marks the beginning of the global gem and jewellery calendar and once again places Sri Lanka at the heart of international trade. He noted that, now in its 33rd year, FACETS is more than an exhibition—it is a platform built on trust, long-standing relationships, and a shared commitment to responsible and sustainable industry practices. He also warmly welcomed international buyers, exhibitors, and partners, thanking them for their continued confidence in Sri Lanka as a leading source of fine gemstones.
For the first time in its history, FACETS is being hosted at Cinnamon Life – The City of Dreams, occupying two full floors in a contemporary and immersive exhibition environment. This new setting represents a defining evolution for the event, seamlessly blending tradition with innovation. Visitors are guided through the journey of Sri Lankan gemstones from mine to market through interactive installations, curated Story Corners showcasing exhibitor narratives, and immersive virtual-reality experiences offering rare insights into the island’s gem-mining regions. Sustainability, ethical sourcing, and innovation are central themes throughout the exhibition, aligning Sri Lanka’s gem industry with global standards while preserving its timeless craftsmanship.
FACETS Sri Lanka 2026 is further strengthened by the Sapphire Sponsorship Circle, comprising eleven of Sri Lanka’s leading gem exporters and jewellers. Their collective support reflects the unity, confidence, and shared vision of the industry, reinforcing FACETS as the country’s most important international platform for gems and jewellery, attracting buyers, investors, and enthusiasts from around the world.
Mr. Armil Samoon, Chairman of FACETS Sri Lanka, remarked that for 33 years, FACETS has been the stage on which Sri Lanka’s enduring story of people and precious stones has been told. He noted that the platform connects those who unearth the island’s treasures with those who shape them, ensuring that every gem carries not only beauty, but a legacy of integrity. FACETS 2026, he said, brings together this proud community under a shared mission to champion a sustainable and brilliant future for global gemstones and jewellery.
Enhancing the experience for international delegates, Universal Travel Bureau (UTB) serves as the Official Travel Partner for FACETS Sri Lanka 2026. Through curated pre- and post-exhibition travel programmes, visitors are offered opportunities to explore Sri Lanka beyond the exhibition halls, including exclusive visits to gem-mining regions that highlight the island’s centuries-old traditions and sustainable practices. This initiative extends FACETS beyond a trade exhibition, fostering deeper connections between business, culture, and heritage.
Over the past three decades, FACETS has evolved into an internationally respected exhibition that has firmly positioned Sri Lanka on the global gem and jewellery map. Renowned worldwide for its exceptional sapphires—from cornflower blue and padparadscha to teal and beyond—and home to over 50 gemstone varieties, Sri Lanka continues to captivate global markets.
FACETS Sri Lanka 2026 celebrates this proud legacy while looking firmly toward the future, bringing together tradition, innovation, and global opportunity in a world-class setting, and marking one of the most significant editions in the exhibition’s history.