14th December 2021, Colombo: TourmalineLanka Gemological Laboratory (TGL), one of Sri Lanka’s leading gem laboratories, celebrated its 5th anniversary earlier this year by opening a branch in the city of Galle.
The new branch, located at Gem Market, Ginthota, Galle, will offer state-of-the-art technology, instruments and the most highly-experienced certified gemologists of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in order to provide customers with the most accurate and professional colored stone identification reports. During ancient times, Galle was a centre and a world leader for trades such as gems, pearls, cinnamon, spices and ivory. Several rivers such as Gin Ganga and Gintota and the surrounding upper areas are rich in clear gemstones. World-famous blue sapphires are found in the upper area of Gin Ganga, Deniyaya, Morawaka and Alakoladeniya areas. Alakoladeniya in particular, is famous for high quality and high standard blue sapphires. Therefore, the location of the new TGL branch in Galle will provide customers in the city and surrounding areas with access to a gem laboratory of international standards.
TGL Founder Kasun G. Madivila graduated as a gemologist from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and was working as a Valuer Gemologist at the National Gem and Jewellery Authority of Sri Lanka when he was chosen for the Consultant Gemologist at Belle Etoile Gem and Jewelry Company in Japan. This break provided him the chance to expand his knowledge into another area of gemology via the “special energy division” of Belle Etoile, Ginza, Japan. It has been 15 years since Kasun completed his studies in gemology and he has remained steadfastly committed to the gem and jewellery industry. Commenting on the latest milestone of TGL, he stated, “We are excited about our 5 year long journey and the opening of our Galle branch. TGL services are always guaranteed to be accurate, reliable, and well presented in a user-friendly format. We also take pride in offering the most photogenic digital color photographs of the items examined. We are proud to be the leader in providing the highest quality professional and aesthetically appealing reports offered today in Sri Lanka with special comments. In addition to Galle, we have our Head Office in Beruwela and also branches in Ratnapura as well as in Bangkok – Thailand.”
To mark the occasion of the 5th anniversary, TGL also launched Sri Lanka’s first-ever gem lab mobile app. Available on Android and iOS platforms, the app will allow users to carry out all their gem-related business online. It will help them to obtain door-to-door services to all TGL clients while international buyers will be able to verify all the certificates online and conduct business transactions in a safe and secure manner. Additionally, as part of the anniversary celebrations, TGL Charity Association uplifted the lives of low income families by donating a couple of gem cutting machines as a part of the First Phase of this special project.