Tourmaline Lanka Gem Lab (TGL) recently declared open a state-of-the-art gemological laboratory offering international standard services for the gem and jewellery industry.

The new branch was opened in the gem city of Ratnapura, at 79A, Demuwawatha, Rathnapura. The event was graced by Reginald Cooray, Chairman of the National Gem & Jewellery Authority, and Samantha Gunasekera, President of the Gemmologists Association of Sri Lanka, who acted as chief guests.

According to Kasun G Madivila, GG, AJP (GIA), Founder of TGL, “TGL’s new gem lab is equipped with the latest technological instruments such as FTIR and LIBS. Such advanced equipment, in the hands of our specialists, ensures that we provide services to international standards and that all our clients get the best quality at all times.”

Kasun Madivilawas a former valuer gemologist at the National Gem & Jewellery Authority and the current chief editor of Tourmaline Lanka, the first-ever international gem magazine from Sri Lanka. He, together with TGL, is the country’s pioneering graduate gemologist (GG) and accredited jewelry professional (AJP).

TGL’s head office is located in Beruwala, with plans to open more branches in Galle,as well as expand overseas in Bangkok.

Tourmaline Lanka Gem Lab are experts in analyzing and interpretingthe various scientific characteristics of gemstones, anddisseminating this information through detailed, professional and aesthetically pleasinggemstone reports.

The TGL team comprises highly qualified and experienced specialists,including a graduate gemologist, chemistry specialist and software engineer. Each member of the team also undergoes specialized training in their field of work such as chemistry, gemology or photography. Kasun Madivila commented, “We are proud of our experience and our skills, which complimented with each individual’s unique personality, contribute to the strong core service we offer our valued clientele.”

Ratnapura – The gem city

This gemmining centre of Sri Lanka is a major crossroad between the southern plains and the hill country to the east. Ratnapura, home to many prominent gem dealers in Sri Lanka, is a bustling market city servicing most surrounding towns. It is known as the City of Gems and has been known as such throughout the history,even referred to in ancient texts.

Gem mining is widespread throughout this region. A unique feature of gemstone distribution in Sri Lanka is that a variety of different stones are invariably found together at one site. The region is infamous for the following gemstones: various spinels, aquamarines, tourmalines, topaz, garnets, amethyst, cat’s eyes, zircons and moonstones.

Photo - Reginald Cooray, Chairperson of the National Gem and Jewellery Authority with Kasun Madiwila the founder of Tourmaline Lanka Gem Lab (TGL) at the opening ceremony of Tourmaline Lanka Gem Lab (TGL) Rathnapura, Mr. Hiroshan Yahampath, IGA President, and Mr. Ranjan Jayasinghe,the Chairman of Ranjan Gems is seen in the picture.