New Board blends youth and experience as the Association sets its sights on FACETS Sri Lanka 2027 and its 25th anniversary
Veteran Jeweller and leading Jewellery Designer Akram Cassim has been re-elected President of the Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Association (SLGJA) for a third term, at the Association’s Annual General Meeting held recently.
The AGM also elected a new Board that brings together a strong mix of youth and experience, with members drawn from the gem, jewellery and lapidary sectors and from the key gem and jewellery regions of Sri Lanka. Joining Cassim in the new leadership team are Shezan Mansoor as Vice President and COO, Shezard Careem as Head of the Jewellery Segment, Razni Haniffa as Head of the Gem Segment, and Amanda Wijemanne as Head of the Lapidary Segment. Shezmin Mansoor takes on Promotions and FACETS, while Nawrooz Azmi is Head of Finance.
Cassim said he was delighted with the composition of the new Board and its broad representation across the industry. “We have a well-balanced Board combining experience with a new generation of industry leaders, representing the different sectors and regions that make up Sri Lanka’s gem and jewellery industry,” he said. “I believe this gives us a strong team to address the challenges before us, bring fresh ideas to the table and take the industry forward together.”
In his address to the AGM, Cassim named industry reform as a key priority, including continued engagement with the Ministry of Industries, NGJA, EDB, Customs and other relevant authorities on tax, fiscal and regulatory matters. He noted the progress made on the importation of rough gemstones, while identifying the liberalisation of gold imports as the next important step in supporting jewellery manufacturing and value-added exports. Beyond reform, he pointed to the continued development of FACETS Sri Lanka, traceability, gem and jewellery tourism, and greater participation by the younger generation as priorities for the Association.
Looking ahead to FACETS Sri Lanka 2027, its 34th edition, Cassim called on the entire industry to support the exhibition by bringing international buyers and sponsors to Sri Lanka and using their global networks to further strengthen the show. He also welcomed Gübelin Gem Lab as an official partner of FACETS 2027.
With the SLGJA marking its 25th anniversary next year, Cassim said the milestone was an opportunity to celebrate the Association’s achievements while setting an ambitious direction for the future. “We have a proud heritage, a remarkable industry and tremendous potential,” he said. “With confidence, ambition and shared purpose, we can strengthen Sri Lanka’s position on the world stage.” He summed up the Association’s direction for the year ahead in three words: “One industry, one vision, one voice.”
Vice President and COO Shezan Mansoor echoed that spirit of unity. “I believe with the collective support and participation of our membership, under the guidance and leadership of the new Board, we can continue to strengthen the Association and move forward together – better and stronger,” he said.
