Aug 04, Colombo: Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Export Board recorded a 9.5 % growth in gem and jewellery exports within the first six months of the year compared to the previous year.

The Chairman of the Board Hasitha Tillekaratna said that the value of exported gems and jewellery was Rs.22.9 billion. He hoped the exports would reach well over Rs. 50 billion this year.

Of the total income, Rs. 15.48 billion was earned through re-exportation of diamonds. The value of gems exported amounted to Rs. 5.68 billion.

US, Germany, Japan, Hong Kong, Thailand, France, UK and Switzerland were the major countries that imported gems and jewellery from Sri Lanka.