Sri Lanka, Sept. 16 -- Sri Lanka could significantly increase its earnings from gem exports by shifting its focus from intermediate markets to end consumers, Director of the Sri Lanka Miners and Dealers Association Dr. Sanjeewa Fonseka said.

Dr. Fonseka, who is also Chairman of Ceylon Sapphire Mining Ltd and Ceylon FACET and a member of the Ceylon Gem and Jewellery Traders Association (CEJTA), said Sri Lankan gems are generally sold to intermediate gem markets rather than directly to the final buyers, limiting the income that local gem businesses can generate from the country's valuable natural resources.

"If we can give end consumers the opportunity to purchase and export Sri Lankan gems, the country can earn a higher income from gem e...