ICA Congress 2015 officially launched
Sri Lanka, being one of the most sough-after hubs in the world for its precious gems and exquisite Jewelry will be the proud host of the 2015 Congress of the International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA), which is to be held from May 16th to 19th at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel.
Addressing a media briefing in Colombo, Mr. Clement Sabbagh, Chairman of ICA Congress Committee noted that Sri Lanka hosted one of the first ICA Congress in 1989. “Since then Sri Lanka has developed its mining and processing industry to become one of the most important hubs for Gems and Jewelry,” he said. “The most important gemstone, Sapphires, is mined locally and the local industry is a major sourcing hub for processing Sapphires from African Origins as well.”
He added that Sri Lanka is not only the source of the famous Ceylon Sapphire and Padpardsha but other stones such as Spinel, Moonstones, Chrysoberyl Cat eyes, Alexandrite and Zircon among others.
Reflecting on the local industry, Mr. Sabbagh lauded the steps taken by the government in protecting the local industry whilst promoting its precious gems to the rest of the world. “Sri Lanka has managed to regulate its gems and Jewelry industry and can be seen as an example for its mining legislation efficiently protective of the environment and small miners alike.” He opined.
Meanwhile Mr.A.H.M Imtizam, Chairman ICA Congress Committee Sri Lanka 2015 noted the main organizers of the event, the Sri Lanka Gem & Jewelry Association, National Gem & Jewelry Authority as well as co-organizers Export Development Board have vouched their fullest cooperation in organizing this congress.
The theme for the event is “Sapphire & MORE”. As part of the congress, a gem trade show ‘FACETS’ will run from May 15 to 18 at the same venue. There will also be a Cricket, Golf and Tennis tournaments to complement the tour. Members of ICA who have vested interest in the field would be offered a Mine Tour which would take them on a 7-day journey from Ratnapura to Elahera and Beruwela. Four theme nights as well as a street party also awaits delegates taking part in this year’s congress.
Secretary of the ICA Congress 2015, Mr. Ziqufi Ismail noted that they have received a very positive feedback from the trade fair in Hong Kong, which just concluded. “This year’s ICA Congress is garnering a lot of interest and we are certain it would translate into a favorable, productive and successful congress.”
He added that the stakeholders and organizers of this year’s congress were immensely grateful for the support extended by the media from the inception of the congress, of which the planning of it began last year.
