Addressing the 16th Congress of the International Colored Gemstone Association in Colombo, Minister Karunanayake assured assistance to establish an international gem center in the country.

The 16th bi-annual Congress of the International Colored Gemstone Association commenced Saturday under the patronage of Minister Karunanayake at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel in Colombo. It will be held from May 16th to 19th.

Over 400 global members of the International Colored Gemstone Association including the President of the Association Benjamin Hackman are participating in the summit, organized by the International Colored Gems Association.

The 2015 ICA Congress will feature presentations by leaders and experts in the Gem Industry as well as a series of special events that promise to make the event a truly valuable and unique experience, organizers said.

A gem trade fair "Facets Gem Show" is also being held in conjunction with the main event from May 15th to 18th at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel where over 50 companies will showcase an array of gemstones and jewelry.

Venerable Galaboda Gnanissara Thera, Ministers Kabir Hashim, A.H.M. Fowzi, Chairman of the Gem and Jewellery Authority Aruna Gunawardena and Chairman of International Coloured Gems Association Benjamin Heckman were present on the occasion.