The National Gem and Jewellery Authority (NGJA), in partnership with the Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Association, has officially announced the 'Gem City Ratnapura 2026' international exhibition, scheduled from August 31 to September 2, 2026, at the Grand Silver Ray Hotel complex in Ratnapura. Themed 'Home to the Finest,' the three-day flagship trade show will feature over 150 certified gem merchants, miners, and master cutters displaying natural Sri Lankan sapphires, rubies, chrysoberyl cat's eyes, and alexandrites extracted from Sabaragamuwa's rich alluvial gravel deposits. Organizers confirmed that international buyer delegations from China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Europe, and the United States have registered to attend, with the fair timed strategically ahead of major autumn Asian jewelry trade shows. The event directly aligns with the government's national economic target of generating $1 billion in annual gem and jewelry export revenue through value-added lapidary processing and transparent trade channels. Ratnapura District Secretariat officials highlighted that hosting the international fair will generate substantial economic activity for regional hotel, transport, and restaurant operators while reinforcing Ratnapura's historic status as the world's sapphire capital.