Message from the Minister

This is the exact message from the Minister of Enterprise Development & Investment Promotion, Dr. Sarath Amunugama published on Gem Talk April issue.

It gives me much satisfaction to issue a message of good wishes for the 3rd issue of "Gem Talk" which I am happy to learn has become a useful, well worth reading and pleasing to look at publication, creating a thorough awareness of Sri Lanka Gem and Jewelry industry among both local and foreign entrepreneurs.

Sri Lanka has been celebrated for its gems from ancient times. Along with the mining of gems there were other aspects connected with the gem industry, which have been a great value to Sri Lanka. Foreign exchange earnings for the country, employment, opportunities, created by the industry, as well as the transfer of technology are among them.

I wish to urge the business community not to think with an "Island Mentality" and depend on the faith of the international community to reach the US $2.00 billion investment target projected for this year. I am confident that the unrest prevailing in some parts of the country would not hamper the achieving of this investment target; or even surpassing it.

It is pertinent to note, that US $500 million had already been collected in foreign investment in the first quarter of 2007. I am happy to state that a scheme has been formulated to identify & increase foreign investment in Apparel, Information Technology, Pharmaceuticals, Tourism, Fisheries and Gem & Jewelry industry during the rest of the year 2007. It is important that we think big and remember that the world has not lost faith in Sri Lanka.

Through the combined efforts of the government of Sri Lanka and the private sector, Sri Lanka has become one of the major gem centers in the world. With sustained effort we could forge ahead to be a world leader.