The gem, jewellery & diamond exports continue its upward trend in foreign exchange generation by recording an overall growth of 28%. As at end October 2011 when compare with the corresponding period in 2010, stated the National Gem & Jewellery Authority (NGJA).

The most significant growth was recorded by gem exports where it reached a 37% increase generating Rs.8.48 billion in 2011 compared to Rs.6.2billion in 2010, the Authority further said.

The sector’s growth in terms of value increase was from Rs.38.6 billion to Rs.49.36 billion, said NGJA Chairman & CEO General Rohan Daluwatte.

General Rohan Daluwatte emphasized the 22% growth in jewellery exports, from Rs.1.47 billion to Rs. 1.80 billion where the value addition component is the highest.

The value of diamond re exports rose by 27% from Rs.30.66 billion to Rs. 38.81 billion.

“We could observe a steady growth in export revenue generation. The growth momentum in the sector augurs well for related industries where its contribution to the national income becoming more significant” he said. General Daluwatte further stated that, if this growth momentum continues, the gem, jewellery & diamond sector is expected to exceed the highest ever export income of Rs. 57.29 billion recorded in 2008.