Akram Cassim has been re-elected as President of the Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Association (SLGJA) for a third term at the Association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) held this week.
The AGM also saw the appointment of a new board bringing together a mix of experienced industry professionals and younger leaders from across Sri Lanka’s gem, jewellery and lapidary sectors, as well as key gem and jewellery regions across the country.
Joining Cassim in the new leadership team are Shezan Mansoor as Vice President and COO, Shezard Careem as Head of the Jewellery Segment, Razni Haniffa as Head of the Gem Segment, Amanda Wijemanne as Head of the Lapidary Segment, Shezmin Mansoor as Head of Promotions and FACETS, and Nawrooz Azmi as Head of Finance.
Commenting on the composition of the new board, Cassim said he was pleased with its broad representation across the industry.
“We have a well-balanced board combining experience with a new generation of industry leaders, representing the different sectors and regions that make up Sri Lanka’s gem and jewellery industry. I believe this gives us a strong team to address the challenges before us, bring fresh ideas to the table and take the industry forward together,” he said.
Addressing the AGM, Cassim identified industry reform as a key priority for the year ahead. This includes continued engagement with the Ministry of Industries, National Gem and Jewellery Authority (NGJA), Export Development Board (EDB), Customs and other relevant authorities on taxation, fiscal policies and regulatory matters.
He noted the progress made in facilitating the importation of rough gemstones, while identifying the liberalisation of gold imports as an important next step in supporting jewellery manufacturing and the growth of value-added exports.
Cassim also highlighted the continued development of FACETS Sri Lanka, traceability, gem and jewellery tourism and increased participation from the younger generation as key priorities for the Association.
Looking ahead to FACETS Sri Lanka 2027, the 34th edition of the exhibition, Cassim called on industry members to support the event by bringing international buyers and sponsors to Sri Lanka and leveraging their global networks to further strengthen the exhibition.
He also welcomed Gübelin Gem Lab as an official partner of FACETS 2027.
With the SLGJA set to mark its 25th anniversary next year, Cassim said the milestone would provide an opportunity to celebrate the Association’s achievements while establishing an ambitious direction for its future.
“We have a proud heritage, a remarkable industry and tremendous potential. With confidence, ambition and shared purpose, we can strengthen Sri Lanka’s position on the world stage,” he said.
He summarised the Association’s direction for the coming year in three words: “One industry, one vision, one voice”.
Vice President and COO Shezan Mansoor added, “I believe, with the collective support and participation of our membership, under the guidance and leadership of the new board, we can continue to strengthen the association and move forward together – better and stronger.”
The SLGJA Board for 2026/27 comprises Akram Cassim as President, Shezan Mansoor as Vice President and COO, Amanda Wijemanne as Vice President – Lapidary, Shezard Careem as Vice President – Jewellery, Razni Haniffa as Vice President – Gem Segment, Nawrooz Azmi as Vice President – Finance and Shezmin Mansoor as Vice President – Promotions.
D. Balasubramanium serves as Assistant Vice President – Operations, while Ashfaq Deen serves as Assistant Vice President – Finance.
The Board Directors are Sellakumar Kandasamy, Pinsiri Wijepala, Armil Samoon, Himas Isab, Priyantha Silva, Firaz Hamid, Muslim Salahaudeen, Punsiri Tennakoon, Rizvan Sahabdeen, Umesh Wariyapperuma, Zahara Abdeen, Aqil Refai, Shazeen Farook, A.P. Jayarajah, Kishanthan Sivakumar, Arshaque Ishak, Fazlan Faizal, Ramees Mohideen, Risafath Ahamed, Dulitha Ellawala and Ameen Sadik.
Akram Cassim
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