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By Shirajiv Sirimane

Sri Lanka became the 30th country to sign the Kimberly Process Certificate Scheme (KPCS) to enable Sri Lankans to legitimately import and export diamonds.

According to the Chairman Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Authority, Prof. P. G. R. Dharmaratne, over 40 countries actively involved in the diamond industry have agreed to sign this treaty which is being drawn up by the World Federation of Diamonds and the International Diamond Manufacturers' Association.

Following a series of requests made by several African governments and other international Associations the two Associations based in Europe and USA decided to scan and keep a track of diamond exports in the world.

"Most of the diamonds found in the world are from African countries. Some of these countries are politically unstable which have led to internal conflicts, war and terrorism. Most of the terrorists are trading in Diamonds to purchase arms. This is what the international community wants to avoid," he said.

The Chairman said that when all countries involved in the export and import of Diamonds sign this treaty the illegal trading of Diamonds will cease. "Very soon Customs officials in every country will not clear a parcel of Diamonds without the KPCS certification."

Prof. Dharmaratne said that Sri Lanka signed this agreement early this year even ahead of countries such as Japan and Thailand which are dealing in larger volumes of Diamond exports than Sri Lanka. He said that it was the keen interest shown by the Sri Lankan government that enabled the Authority to sign this treaty sooner than other countries.

He said that the Authority will issue this certification free for any cut or uncut diamond, which is being exported or imported to Sri Lanka. The Chairman said that unlike India, Sri Lanka has not fully exploited the Diamond Industry. "There are over one million Diamond cutters in India and many others who are self employed in the Industry. However in Sri Lanka there are only around 2,000 diamond cutters and less than 16 factories involved in the trade."

The Chairman said that this is an area that the Authority is hoping to develop in the future since there is a very good export market for Diamonds."

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