Q: What are your organisation’s priorities for financial year 2021/22?

A: We will pursue the promotion and development of ‘Ceylon Sapphire’ as a brand. Given its 2,500 year legacy, the sapphire is an asset that the country can use to promote with tourism.

Sri Lanka has over 50 varieties of coloured gemstones and the most exquisite fine blue sapphires, which are revered among consumers and museums globally.

Meanwhile, Colombo Jewellery Stores’ (CJS) environmental stance continues with its partnership on marine conservation with Dr. Asha de Vos and her organisation Oceanswell. This is true of our partnerships with the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society of Sri Lanka (WNPS) and the Sri Lanka Wildlife Conservation Society (SLWCS) for elephant habitat conservation.

Similarly, CJS recently tied up with Emerge Lanka Foundation to promote the Beads to Business programme, which aims to support survivors of abuse.

Q: How is CJS planning for the medium term given the ‘new normal’ era that is now upon us?

A: We look forward to the gradual opening of all industries. The new normal depends on the success of the local vaccination programme, which will give customers the confidence to walk into shopping malls and encourage more social events, such as weddings, parties and launches. These trigger the purchases of jewellery.

On the other hand, CJS will open a TAG Heuer boutique at One Galle Face Mall in the year ahead. Being a preferred watch brand, this boutique will offer clients an enhanced brand experience along with a wide range of watches for both ladies and gentlemen of all ages.

Meanwhile, CJS has many plans as we look forward to celebrating our 100th anniversary next year. However, we will unveil them based on the outlook for the prevailing situation.

Q: What is your take of the ongoing vaccination programme and how critical is it to the company’s prospects this year?
A: It’s crucial to get all our citizens vaccinated soon to avoid a new wave of COVID-19 in the country. This will enable tourism to rebound and bring in much needed foreign currency. As the tourism industry is one of our largest employment generators, this will help improve the livelihoods and living standards of many Sri Lankans.

The gems and jewellery sector will benefit tremendously if tourism strengthens. The vaccination drive and ease of travel will enable the sector to participate in gems and jewellery fairs around the world once borders open to international visitors.