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International Gateway
Colombo is the main urban gateway for international visitors arriving in Sri Lanka and provides access to the island's wider travel network.
GEM SRI LANKA 2027 · SRI LANKA TRAVEL GUIDE
Visit Sri Lanka Discover Colombo & Gem Sri Lanka
The complete destination guide for gemstone buyers, jewellery professionals, collectors and international visitors
Plan your journey to Colombo for Gem Sri Lanka 2027 and experience one of the world's most fascinating destinations for natural coloured gemstones. Discover Ceylon sapphires, Sri Lankan gemstone heritage, international jewellery, Colombo's attractions, hotels, food, culture and travel experiences — all in one journey.
Colombo
Sri Lanka's commercial capital
7–9
January 2027
Gem
International gemstone exhibition
Sapphire
Famous Ceylon gemstone heritage
Travel
Business + holiday destination
Welcome to Sri Lanka
One journey. Many worlds.
Sri Lanka is a compact island destination where gemstone heritage, tropical landscapes, beaches, wildlife, history, cuisine and modern city life come together. For international gemstone buyers, Colombo provides a practical base for combining business with a memorable Sri Lankan journey.
If you are travelling to Sri Lanka for Gem Sri Lanka 2027, your trip does not have to end at the exhibition hall. Use Colombo as the starting point for discovering the country's gemstone traditions, cultural heritage, shopping, food and scenic destinations.
Why connect your Sri Lanka trip with Gem Sri Lanka?
Attend the international exhibition, meet gemstone and jewellery professionals, explore natural coloured gemstone opportunities and then experience the country behind the Ceylon gemstone name.
Attend the international exhibition, meet gemstone and jewellery professionals, explore natural coloured gemstone opportunities and then experience the country behind the Ceylon gemstone name.
Explore Sri Lanka
Everything you need before you travel
Whether you are searching for a Sri Lanka travel guide, Colombo travel information, a gemstone exhibition, Ceylon sapphire, jewellery, natural gemstones or a business trip combined with a holiday, this guide helps you plan your Sri Lankan experience.
Sri Lanka Travel Guide
Plan your island journey
Colombo Travel Guide
Explore Sri Lanka's capital
Gem Exhibition Sri Lanka
International gemstone event
Gem Show Colombo
Discover gemstone opportunities
Ceylon Sapphire
Sri Lankan natural sapphire
Blue Sapphire Sri Lanka
Explore sapphire heritage
Natural Gemstones
Coloured gemstone market
Jewellery Sri Lanka
Gemstone and jewellery industry
Ruby & Spinel
Coloured gemstone varieties
Padparadscha Sapphire
Rare sapphire variety
Gemstone Buyers
International sourcing
Gemstone Trade Sri Lanka
Industry connections
Your reason to visit
Make Colombo your gemstone destination
Gem Sri Lanka 2027 gives international visitors a reason to travel to Colombo at the heart of Sri Lanka's gemstone and jewellery story.
Discover natural gemstones
Explore sapphire and coloured gemstone opportunities presented by exhibitors and gemstone professionals.
Meet international professionals
Connect with buyers, sellers, jewellery professionals, collectors and industry participants.
Experience Sri Lankan gem heritage
Go beyond the exhibition and discover the country associated with the Ceylon gemstone tradition.
Combine business with travel
Turn your exhibition visit into a complete Colombo and Sri Lanka business and leisure journey.
Colombo
Why stay in Colombo?
Colombo combines business infrastructure, international hotels, restaurants, shopping, cultural attractions and access to the wider island, making it a natural base for visitors attending an international exhibition.
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Gemstone Heritage
Colombo provides an ideal base for visitors interested in Sri Lanka's natural gemstone and jewellery traditions.
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Hotels & Business
International visitors can choose from a wide range of hotels, restaurants, meeting facilities and business services.
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Indian Ocean Coast
Colombo combines urban experiences with coastal scenery, sunsets, waterfront dining and easy access to nearby beaches.
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Culture & Heritage
Explore historic buildings, religious sites, markets, museums, colonial influences and Sri Lankan culture.
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Food & Lifestyle
Experience Sri Lankan cuisine, tea, seafood, street food, modern restaurants and Colombo's diverse cultural life.
Getting Here
Arriving in Sri Lanka
Most international visitors travelling to Colombo arrive through Bandaranaike International Airport, commonly known as Colombo International Airport. From the airport, visitors can continue towards Colombo by road and other available transport services.
✈ International arrival
Check your airline, airport and arrival information before departure. Allow additional time for immigration, baggage collection and onward transportation.
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International flight
Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport.
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Airport formalities
Complete immigration, baggage and customs procedures as required.
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Continue to Colombo
Use an appropriate taxi, transfer or other available transport service.
📍 Colombo
Colombo is the main commercial and financial centre of Sri Lanka and a convenient base for business, tourism, shopping and international events.
🏨 Where to stay
For Gem Sri Lanka visitors, consider accommodation with convenient access to Colombo's business, waterfront and exhibition areas.
🚕 Local transport
Colombo offers taxis, ride-hailing options, tuk-tuks, private transfers and other local transport choices. Confirm fares and booking details before travelling.
Before You Fly
Sri Lanka Visa & ETA Guide
Immigration requirements depend on nationality, passport type, purpose and current government rules. Always check the official Sri Lankan Immigration and ETA information before booking or travelling.
Check your nationality
Visa and ETA rules can differ between countries.
Apply through official channels
Use official Sri Lankan immigration and ETA
information rather than unofficial websites.
Check before departure
Rules can change, so verify current requirements
close to your travel date.
Keep documents ready
Carry your passport and required travel
documentation.
Important travel notice
Sri Lankan visa and ETA policies may change. The information on this page is intended as a travel-planning guide and should not replace official immigration instructions.
Always verify the latest requirements with the Department of Immigration and Emigration before travelling to Sri Lanka.
Sri Lankan visa and ETA policies may change. The information on this page is intended as a travel-planning guide and should not replace official immigration instructions.
Always verify the latest requirements with the Department of Immigration and Emigration before travelling to Sri Lanka.
Accommodation
Where to stay in Colombo
Choose your accommodation according to your purpose: exhibition access, business meetings, shopping, sightseeing, restaurants or a longer Sri Lankan holiday.
BUSINESS
Colombo City
Convenient for business meetings, restaurants, shopping and city activities.
WATERFRONT
Galle Face Area
Ideal for visitors who enjoy the oceanfront, sunsets, dining and city atmosphere.
PREMIUM
Luxury Hotels
Suitable for international business travellers, corporate visitors and premium leisure stays.
LONGER STAY
Colombo & Beyond
Consider combining several nights in Colombo with a wider Sri Lankan itinerary.
Explore Colombo
Things to do before or after the exhibition
Make your Gem Sri Lanka trip more memorable by exploring Colombo's history, food, shopping, markets, culture, architecture and waterfront.
Galle Face & Waterfront
Enjoy Colombo's oceanfront atmosphere, evening walks, sunsets and nearby restaurants.
Pettah Market
Experience one of Colombo's most energetic commercial districts and discover the city's market culture.
Colombo Fort
Explore the historic commercial heart of the city, architecture and modern Colombo.
Museums & Heritage
Discover Sri Lankan history, art, culture and heritage through Colombo's museums and historic locations.
Shopping & Jewellery
Explore Colombo's shopping areas, boutiques, crafts, jewellery and Sri Lankan products.
Sri Lankan Cuisine
Try rice and curry, hoppers, kottu, seafood, tropical fruit, tea and modern Sri Lankan cuisine.
Day Trips
Extend your stay and explore destinations outside Colombo, depending on your available time.
Beaches
Sri Lanka's coastline provides opportunities to add beach experiences to a business trip.
Tea & Highlands
If you have additional days, consider travelling into Sri Lanka's scenic hill country and tea-growing regions.
Gemstone Heritage
Discover the island behind Ceylon Sapphire
Sri Lanka has a long association with natural gemstones, particularly sapphires. For gemstone buyers, collectors and jewellery professionals, visiting the country can add context to the stones, people, businesses and traditions behind the international Ceylon gemstone story.
Ceylon Sapphire
Explore the international reputation and heritage
associated with Sri Lankan sapphires.
Blue Sapphire
One of the most recognised gemstone categories
associated with Sri Lanka.
Pink & Fancy Sapphires
Discover the range of sapphire colours encountered
in the international coloured gemstone market.
Padparadscha
Explore one of the most distinctive and sought-after
sapphire colour categories.
Ruby & Spinel
Learn about important coloured gemstone families
encountered by collectors and jewellery professionals.
Tsavorite & Garnet
Discover the broader world of coloured gemstones
represented in international gem markets.
Suggested Itinerary
Make the most of your Sri Lanka trip
A simple example for visitors travelling specifically for Gem Sri Lanka 2027. Extend it if you have additional days for sightseeing.
DAY 1
Arrive in Colombo
- International arrival
- Hotel check-in
- Rest and recover from travel
- Evening Colombo exploration
- Waterfront dining
DAY 2
Gem Sri Lanka
- Attend the exhibition
- Meet gemstone professionals
- Explore sapphire opportunities
- Discover jewellery and coloured gemstones
- Business networking
DAY 3
Colombo Experience
- Colombo city exploration
- Markets and shopping
- Culture and heritage
- Sri Lankan cuisine
- Continue your journey
Extend Your Stay
Business trip or complete holiday?
If your schedule allows, turn your exhibition visit into a wider Sri Lankan itinerary. The island offers beaches, wildlife, cultural heritage, mountains, tea country and scenic travel experiences.
🏛 Cultural Triangle
Consider destinations such as Sigiriya, Dambulla and other historic sites if you have several additional days.
🍃 Hill Country
Explore tea landscapes, cooler mountain areas, viewpoints and scenic routes through the central highlands.
🐘 Wildlife
Sri Lanka offers national parks and wildlife experiences for visitors extending their stay beyond Colombo.
🌊 Southern Coast
Add beaches, coastal towns and ocean experiences to your post-exhibition itinerary.
🚂 Scenic Travel
Sri Lanka's roads and railway routes provide opportunities to experience changing landscapes across the island.
🍵 Tea & Cuisine
Discover Sri Lankan tea, spices, tropical produce and the country's distinctive culinary traditions.
Practical Travel Guide
Smart planning for international visitors
Money & Payments
Carry appropriate payment methods and confirm accepted payment options before making significant purchases.
Connectivity
Arrange suitable mobile connectivity and keep important hotel, airline and exhibition information accessible.
Travel Documents
Keep passport, travel documents, accommodation details, insurance information and event registration details available.
Weather
Sri Lanka has varied regional climates. Check the Colombo forecast and conditions for every destination on your itinerary.
Business Etiquette
For professional gemstone transactions, communicate clearly, document commercial terms and use appropriate verification for valuable stones.
Travel Safety
Use reputable transport and service providers, protect valuables and follow local laws and official travel guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sri Lanka Travel FAQ
Where is Gem Sri Lanka 2027?
Gem Sri Lanka 2027 is planned at Shangri-La Colombo in Colombo, Sri Lanka, from 7–9 January 2027.
Why should gemstone buyers travel to Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka has a long gemstone tradition and is especially associated internationally with Ceylon sapphires and coloured gemstones. Gem Sri Lanka provides an opportunity to connect the international gemstone community with the Sri Lankan market.
What gemstones are associated with Sri Lanka?
Visitors may encounter sapphire varieties, ruby, spinel, garnet and other coloured gemstones. Specific availability depends on exhibitors, suppliers and market inventory.
Can I combine Gem Sri Lanka with a holiday?
Yes. Colombo can be used as a base for exploring the city, and visitors with additional time can extend their trip to Sri Lanka's cultural, coastal, wildlife and hill-country destinations.
How do I get to Colombo?
International visitors generally arrive through Bandaranaike International Airport and then continue to Colombo using available road and transport services.
Do I need an ETA for Sri Lanka?
Immigration requirements vary by nationality and can change. Check the latest official Sri Lankan Immigration and ETA requirements before travelling.
Where can I register for Gem Sri Lanka 2027?
Use the official Gem Sri Lanka registration page linked throughout this website.
Is Colombo good for international business travellers?
Colombo offers international hotels, restaurants, business services, shopping, cultural attractions and access to Sri Lanka's wider travel network, making it suitable for combining business and leisure.
GEM SRI LANKA 2027 · COLOMBO
Come to Sri Lanka. Discover the world of gems.
Plan your Colombo journey around Gem Sri Lanka 2027. Discover Ceylon sapphires and natural coloured gemstones, connect with international jewellery and gemstone professionals, and experience Sri Lanka beyond the exhibition.