Tuesday, 5, January, 2020, Colombo: In support of the nation’s fight against the pandemic, the Sri Lanka Gem & Jewellery Association (SLGJA) donated a PCR Machine worth 5 Million Rupee’s to the Kandy National Hospital this New Year. On request by Hon. Lohan Ratwatte, State Minister of Gem & Jewellery industries & State Minister of Prison Management & Prisoner Rehabilitation – the PCR machine will support the nation to improve the efficiency of testing and care for patients.
The PCR machine will enable the hospital to produce results fasters with rapid detection to cure patients and support the Government’s measures to fight the pandemic and eradicate it across the island.
Speaking of the donation, Mr. Mohan Samarakonne, Chairman, Kandy National Hospital thanked Hon Lohan Ratwatte and the SLGJA for strengthening the hospitals ability to increase testing and improve their resources to control transmissions.
Representing Sri Lanka Gem & Jewellery Association, Chairman, SLGJA, Mr. Ahsen Refai with Honorary Treasurer, SLGJA, Mr. Shazeen Farook; Honorary Executive Committee Member, Mr. Punsiri Tennakonne and Honorary Executive Committee Member, SLGJA, Mr. Muslim Salahudeen. Speaking of the donation, the Chairman added: “Our Board and Members strongly feel the need to support and protect the nation in this time of need. SLGJA are extremely pleased to support the Nation and Kandy National Hospital with our donation. We encourage all Sri Lankans to work together and manage the challenges that lay in front of us. Together with safety precautions taken and testing to manage transmissions we can ensure a safe and healthy nation.”
The Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Association was inaugurated in 2003 with the amalgamation of the Sri Lanka Jewellers and Gem Merchants’ Federation (formed in 1970), the Sri Lanka Gem Traders’ Association (formed in 1975), the Sri Lanka Jewellery Manufacturing Exporters Association and the Lapidary Association. SLGJA, as the apex body of the gem and jewellery industry in Sri Lanka, currently has over 300 members and is the intermediary between the players in the industry, the government and the regulatory bodies.