Q: How did your organisation react to the impact of the COVID-19 crisis?

The crisis severely impacted the retail jewellery sector just as it did to other environments due to the necessary curfew.

In addition, we had to contend with the guarded opening and physical distancing requirements that needed to be enforced for most business operations.

Jewellery is something you buy to celebrate and commemorate a special occasion, or simply to enjoy wearing out or as an investment, but the immediate need as a result of the COVID-19 crisis was for essentials.

Q: And what are your thoughts in terms of the recovery of gems and jewellery sector and the economy at large, in your assessment?

The physical distancing requirements were also a hindrance to the sector as gems, jewellery and watches need to be touched, felt and worn before purchase. Therefore, the sector has had to rethink its revival plans and expand by using the power of social media, to showcase its products, engage with customers and sell the final product.

Most in the sector weren’t geared for immediate conversion to online retail sales and all of us gradually built up this environment to revive the trade.

Once people felt comfortable enough that the community spread was at a minimum – and therefore, felt fairly safe getting out and about – the retail environment for jewellery and watches improved substantially in the local retail environment.

However, the tourist segment and export markets have not revived yet. We need to simplify the export procedure and regulations in the gem and jewellery segment, for online sales to be able to compete with international norms and regulations.

The import ban on many items including watches has that meant this sector has been totally affected – and it is awaiting the lifting of the ban to be able to cater to the growing market for watches here in Sri Lanka.

Q: Has your organisation participated in any community assistance endeavours – and if so, could you outline them?

While we cannot list the numerous endeavours we’ve undertaken, we were not unaware of the role we had to play in giving back to the community and frontline.

We have done a fair bit in terms of assistance to COVID-19 affected families across the island during the lockdown through private individuals who were collecting and helping out with provisions.