Gem experience Sri Lanka's Gem Trade: A Cultural and Economic Treasure Trove

Sri Lanka, a tropical island nation in the Indian Ocean, is renowned for its precious and semi-precious gems. The gemstones unearthed from the island's alluvial deposits have captivated the world for centuries and are an integral part of Sri Lanka's economy and cultural identity.

The history of Sri Lanka's gem trade dates back to ancient times, with references to the island's gems found in literature and historical documents from around the world. The country's natural resources, combined with the expertise of its gem craftsmen, have made Sri Lanka a global hub for the gem trade.

One man who has played a vital role in Sri Lanka's gem trade is Ifthikar Mahuroof, a fourth-generation member of a distinguished gem family hailing from the coastal city of Galle. His life and experiences are the basis of the "Gem Stories" experience, which takes visitors on a journey through the history and culture of Sri Lanka's gem trade.

Ifthikar's personal accounts and emotionally-moving anecdotes provide a unique perspective on the industry. One recurring theme in his conversations is the importance of generosity and compassion. He believes that personal achievements and wealth are of little significance if they are not accompanied by a deep sense of gratitude and a desire to give back to others. These values have been passed on to his children and are evident in his overall demeanor and philanthropic leanings.

Ifthikar's wife, Shahira, also adds her own perspective to the conversation. She prepares a delicious meal for visitors while sharing her own experiences attending world gem expositions and exhibitions with her husband.

The "Gem Stories" experience culminates with a visit to Ifthikar's personal collection of gems. Each stone has its own fascinating story, adding to its unique beauty and lustre. From blue sapphires to cat's eyes, the collection is a testament to Ifthikar's expertise and passion for the gem trade.

For those interested in purchasing Sri Lankan gems, Galle is an excellent place to start. The city has a long history of gem trading and is home to many reputable dealers who specialize in authentic, high-quality stones.

However, buyers should exercise caution when purchasing gems and ensure that they are dealing with a trusted dealer who can provide certification for the gems they purchase. Many gems on the market are synthetic or treated, and it can be challenging to distinguish them from natural stones without the proper expertise.

One of the most popular types of gems found in Sri Lanka is the Ceylon sapphire, which is renowned for its deep blue colour and high quality. The country is also known for its supply of other stones, including rubies, garnets, topaz, and tourmaline.

In addition to its economic importance, Sri Lanka's gem trade has a significant cultural impact. The trade has been an essential part of the island's culture for centuries and is woven into the fabric of Sri Lankan society. The country's gemstones have been used in traditional jewellery, as well as in religious and cultural artefacts.

The government of Sri Lanka recognizes the importance of the gem trade and has taken steps to regulate and promote the industry. The National Gem and Jewellery Authority (NGJA) is responsible for regulating the trade and ensuring that it operates in a fair and ethical manner. The authority also provides training and education to gem traders and craftsmen, ensuring that they have the skills and knowledge needed to produce high-quality gems.

fthikar Mahuroof's passion for gemstones and his commitment to the trade have made him a beloved figure in the industry. He is not just a businessman, but also an advocate for responsible and ethical gem mining and trading practices. He firmly believes that the gem industry can be a force for good, providing sustainable livelihoods for local communities and preserving the natural beauty of the environment.

During our conversation, he shared some of the challenges that the gem industry faces, particularly in Sri Lanka. Despite the abundance of gemstones, the industry has struggled to compete with other countries in terms of marketing and branding. As a result, Sri Lankan gems are often undervalued and underappreciated on the international market.

Ifthikar Mahuroof is determined to change that. He has been actively involved in promoting Sri Lankan gems both domestically and internationally. He has participated in numerous gem shows and exhibitions, showcasing the beauty and quality of Sri Lankan gems. He has also worked to establish better connections between Sri Lankan gem traders and international buyers.

But Ifthikar Mahuroof's commitment to the gem industry goes beyond promoting and marketing. He is also a strong advocate for responsible mining practices. Sri Lanka has a long history of gem mining, but the industry has not always been sustainable or environmentally friendly. Ifthikar Mahuroof believes that it is crucial for the industry to adopt responsible practices that preserve the environment and benefit local communities.

As we toured his personal collection of gems, Ifthikar Mahuroof shared some of the stories behind them. Each gem had a unique history, from the emerald that was passed down through generations of his family to the rare blue sapphire that was discovered in a remote mine in Sri Lanka. But beyond their beauty and rarity, each gem also represented a connection to the land and the people who had mined it.

This sense of connection and responsibility is at the heart of Ifthikar Mahuroof's approach to the gem industry. He believes that the industry can and should be a force for good, providing sustainable livelihoods for local communities and preserving the natural beauty of the environment. And he is committed to doing his part to make that vision a reality.

Ifthikar Mahuroof's "Gem Stories" experience is a unique and fascinating glimpse into the world of Sri Lankan gemstones. His passion and commitment to the industry are truly inspiring, and his personal collection of gems is a testament to the rich history and culture of Sri Lanka. For anyone interested in gems and the gem trade, this experience is not to be missed. And for those who are simply curious about the world and the people who inhabit it, Ifthikar Mahuroof's stories offer a glimpse into a world of beauty, history, and human connection.

Exploring Galle: A Journey Through Sri Lanka's Rich History and Culture

Galle, a charming coastal city located in the southwest of Sri Lanka, is a popular destination for travelers who are interested in history, culture, and beautiful beaches. With a rich colonial heritage, a vibrant arts scene, and a thriving food culture, Galle is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Sri Lanka.

Start your journey through Galle by exploring the city's most famous landmark: the Galle Fort. Built by the Portuguese in the 16th century and later fortified by the Dutch, the Galle Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers a fascinating glimpse into Sri Lanka's colonial past. Take a leisurely stroll along the fort's ramparts, admire the beautiful colonial architecture, and stop by the charming shops and cafes that dot the narrow streets.

After exploring the fort, head to the Galle National Museum to learn more about the city's rich history. The museum houses a wide range of exhibits, including ancient artifacts, colonial-era objects, and traditional crafts. Don't miss the collection of traditional masks from the nearby town of Ambalangoda, which are an important part of Sri Lankan culture and heritage.

Once you've had your fill of history and culture, it's time to explore Galle's vibrant arts scene. Head to the Barefoot Gallery, a popular art and craft store that showcases the work of local artisans. Browse the colorful textiles, handmade jewelry, and beautiful ceramics, and pick up a unique souvenir to take home.

No trip to Galle would be complete without sampling the city's delicious food. From fresh seafood to spicy curries, Sri Lankan cuisine is a feast for the senses. Head to the Galle Fort Hotel for a delicious high tea, or try some traditional Sri Lankan street food at the Galle Fort market. Don't miss the chance to try some of the city's famous "hoppers," a type of crispy pancake made from rice flour.

End your journey through Galle with a visit to the city's beautiful beaches. Unawatuna Beach, just a short drive from Galle, is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling. If you're looking for something a little quieter, head to Dalawella Beach, which is known for its beautiful sunsets and quiet, laid-back atmosphere.

Exploring Galle is an unforgettable journey through Sri Lanka's rich history, vibrant culture, and beautiful scenery. With so much to see and do, it's no wonder that Galle is one of Sri Lanka's most popular destinations. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to experience the magic of this beautiful city.

The importance of responsible travel with Sri Lanka’s rise as a top travel destination

From being ranked Lonely Planet’s top country for travel in 2019, to featuring on CNN Travel’s ‘20 best places to visit in 2020’, Sri Lanka is steadily gaining in popularity as a must- visit destination for many across the globe.

The extension of train routes and road networks, a wider range of accommodation from star- class hotels to budget options, and a greater selection of activities and attractions, have all played a part in Sri Lanka’s burgeoning position as a travel hotspot. While it, no doubt, favourably impacts the country’s economy and the livelihoods of many locals, the adverse effect on the environment and communities needs to be considered and countered by adopting alternative means of travel parallelly. 

A greater onus is, thereby, placed on responsible travel and the upkeep of these ideals by all manner of suppliers supporting the country’s overall travel infrastructure. Let’s look at how Sri Lanka is set up in terms of enabling responsible travel, from community tourism experiences and buying local to fair trade businesses.

The nature-conscious way of life is in no way new to the island. As with many indigenous populations across the globe, over several millennia, The Veddhas of Sri Lanka shared a close, symbiotic relationship with nature, with an underlying theme of sustainability colouring it. The manner in which they ate, dwelled, and lived in the forest displayed great reverence to nature, and there are small Veddha populations which continue to live this way today. Similarly, the many Kingdoms that flourished in Sri Lanka for over two thousand years, showed a natural aptitude for conservation in everything from irrigation efforts to how cities were developed. 

With such a rich heritage of sustainable living pervading the island, the importance today of responsible travel is that much more in Sri Lanka. In 2019, Sri Lanka’s carbon footprint made up 3.12e-9% of the global carbon emission index. The travel industry is said to account for approximately 8% of all carbon emissions world wide. The responsibility, therefore, to ensure the burden placed on the natural and socio-cultural environments travel relies on and impacts, is a pressing one. 

As we travel across the island, there are numerous opportunities for micro-level responsible travel, which will collectively influence the macro-level carbon footprint of Sri Lanka. 

Buying local is one of the simplest ways to travel responsibly. The country is blessed with thousands of small eateries, kiosks, and roadside stalls, which you will find wherever you go. Sri Lanka’s cultural makeup is diverse, and therefore the cuisine and flavours you encounter here are equally varied. From fresh-cut fruit, pickled fruit, fresh juice, to home-made local fare, you will find a huge selection of both raw and prepared food items as you make your way across Sri Lanka.

By selecting these, rather than consuming processed and packaged food and beverages in local and foreign supermarkets, restaurant chains, and fast food franchises, you can significantly reduce the burden placed on the environment and it directly benefits small-time local businesses. Further, you can refuse plastic bags and packaging, and opt for the repurposed newspaper and notebook paper parcels most of these places offer. Carry them and dispose of them responsibly at a later point. 

There are focused efforts at sustainable living and travel that are found all across the island as well. A number of innovative social enterprises are promoted by groups such as Good Market and Fair Trade. Their commitment to working with local businesses dealing in organic produce as well as other goods and services is parallelly affecting tourism in a responsible way.

  Social enterprise models such as that advocated by the Good Market approved Kithula, ensure a fruitful market for rural farmers to consistently supply healthy local food to modern- day consumers. Increasingly, their heirloom varieties of rice are finding their way into the hands of responsible travellers.

  The Good Market community also comprises enterprises like the Freedom Surf School in Weligama, where surf lessons and board rentals are offered to locals as well as travellers from across the globe. They conduct weekly beach cleanups and recycling collection drives. By opting for activities with a responsible travel outlook, you also contribute directly to the wider culture of reuse, reduce, and recycle gaining steam in Sri Lanka. 

Fair Trade approved businesses like Selyn and Ahinsa Tea, responsible for handloom products and organic tea respectively, contribute to Sri Lanka’s overall strength as a major destination for responsible travel, with their community-focused, environmentally-friendly products. 

The community focus is taken a notch higher by curators of responsible travel experiences like Ceylon Soul, who facilitate encounters with local communities and artisans, where you can experience local and buy local while directly contributing to the upkeep of their unique ways of life. 

Their lagoon fishing experience places a spotlight on the distinct Southern fishing community, decades-long exponents of a type of fishing that is restricted to certain types of fish and crustaceans. This is further limited to specific seasons each year. Special permission is obtained in this experience to travel the lagoon by boat. The community’s focus on sustainable fishing and environmental preservation ensures the lagoon supports large numbers of fish, giant lake prawns, mud crabs, and oysters. Another example involves Ceylon Soul’s farm-to-table tour, a favourite among visitors from across the globe. They work closely with a community of smallholder organic farmers, among the last organic farmers living and operating along the outer edges of the district of Colombo. Their work is of critical importance. The farm-to-table experience involves a one- of-a-kind immersive cooking setup, where you can partake in the process of preparing a healthy sampling of the island’s local fare along with the farmers.

Community tourism efforts such as these afford local communities an opportunity to earn an additional income while preserving their way of life, and greater impetus to maintain their traditional sustainable livelihoods. Community-focused tours and experiences will certainly improve your carbon footprint as you travel the island.

While there are enterprises like Ceylon Soul that actively promote responsible travel in Sri Lanka, which is still an emerging travel segment here, support is increasingly being received from the present government to carefully preserve the island’s resources by adopting sustainable solutions wherever possible. Such top-level support strengthens Sri Lanka’s efforts at country-wide environmental and economic sustainability, positioning it favourably as a top responsible travel destination.