Matale District is a gem lover’s paradise, with a vast array of gemstones found in its rich soil. From the dazzling blue sapphires to the rare Alexandrite, the diversity of stones makes it one of Sri Lanka’s most important gem-producing regions. Whether you’re a gem trader, collector, or a lover of fine jewelry, Matale’s gemstones offer something for everyone with their timeless beauty and exceptional quality.
Matale District, located in Sri Lanka’s central highlands, is renowned for its rich diversity of gemstones. The geological conditions in the region make it one of the most gem-rich areas in Sri Lanka, with an abundance of high-quality gemstones. Below are some of the most common and valuable gemstones found in the Matale District:
Sri Lanka’s gem industry boasts a long and illustrious history, earning the island its affectionate title, Ratna-Dweepa, or “Gem Island.” The country’s geological wealth has made it a global hub for precious stones, particularly sapphires, rubies, and topazes, dating back to ancient times. As early as the 2nd century, Ptolemy documented the island’s prominence for its beryl and sapphire, and Marco Polo marveled at the exceptional quality of Sri Lankan gems. These stones, known as “jewels of Serendib,” were highly sought after by traders from the East, underscoring the island’s importance in the global gemstone trade.
Sri Lanka’s unique geology has played a pivotal role in the richness of its gemstone deposits. The island’s rocks date back as far as 560 million years, with a majority of the landmass containing Precambrian rocks. Gems on the island form in residual, sedimentary, and metamorphic deposits, primarily within the Highland Complex of the central highlands. This geological structure has led to a staggering 25% of Sri Lanka’s landmass being considered gem-bearing, making it one of the most gem-rich regions relative to its size in the world.
The central highlands, where the Matale District is located, are a key area for the extraction of these precious stones. Matale, along with other districts like Ratnapura, is home to an array of gem mines. The district is especially well-known for its sapphire mines, though a wide variety of stones such as rubies, spinels, garnets, and tourmalines are also found here.
The once-thriving gem industry in Matale, particularly in traditional mining hubs such as Dewaladeniya, Laggala, and Bakamuna, is now facing a severe crisis. Historically a booming sector, it now faces an alarming decline due to a combination of factors, including bureaucratic inefficiencies, corruption, and economic pressures. The global recession has severely impacted the demand for Sri Lankan gems, while increased taxes and stringent regulations have stifled local miners and investors.
Matale, once a vibrant center for gem trading and mining, now resembles a ghost town. Local miners have faced massive losses, with gem prices plummeting. For example, uncut stones that once fetched Rs. 1 million now barely sell for Rs. 100,000. Mines have been shut down at an alarming rate, leaving many workers with no choice but to migrate in search of alternative employment opportunities.
Adding to the crisis is the growing issue of illegal gem mining, with influential politicians, government officials, and powerful individuals misusing their positions to exploit the wealth beneath Matale’s land. The Moragahakanda – Kalu Ganga Development Project has become a focal point for illegal mining activities, where powerful figures are allegedly using political influence to control gem-rich state lands. In some cases, licenses for gem mining are obtained under dubious circumstances, leading to the exploitation of public land and causing significant environmental damage.
One significant problem is the exploitation of state lands and wildlife reserves. In areas like Kalu Ganga, Laggala, and Bakamuna, mining has continued illegally despite restrictions. The authorities have struggled to enforce laws against these illegal operations due to political influence, with some powerful individuals using their clout to bypass regulations. Local villagers and miners often complain about the uneven enforcement of the law, with the authorities seemingly targeting smaller, less affluent miners while turning a blind eye to the activities of those with political power.
The gem mining industry is not just about gemstones; it supports thousands of families and local businesses. However, the decline in mining activities has had a ripple effect on the broader community. Many people in the Matale District, especially in rural areas like Laggala and Kalu Ganga, depend on gem mining as their primary source of income. With mines shutting down, these families are being forced to seek alternative work in other parts of the country, resulting in economic hardships and the collapse of local businesses that once thrived off the gem trade.
Women in areas such as Laggala have also been active participants in the mining process, braving harsh conditions to extract gems alongside men. Many women in Laggala work in groups, mining throughout the day and selling their finds to traders. However, the diminishing gem supply has caused the income from such work to dwindle, further exacerbating the financial struggles faced by local communities.
The National Gem and Jewellery Authority (NGJA) has long been tasked with regulating and promoting the gem industry in Sri Lanka, including Matale. The NGJA’s regulations aim to ensure ethical and environmentally friendly mining practices. While the introduction of measures like life insurance, disability compensation, and educational scholarships for mining families has provided some relief, there are still substantial challenges in the industry.
NGJA officials, while enforcing necessary regulations to curb illegal mining, have struggled with bureaucratic delays, excessive taxes, and the persistent influence of powerful individuals. These obstacles have made it difficult to revitalize the mining industry in Matale, despite ongoing efforts to modernize the system and attract foreign buyers from emerging markets like India, China, and Russia.
Despite the challenges, there are reasons for cautious optimism. The authorities are beginning to acknowledge the urgent need for reform. The NGJA has expressed its commitment to addressing the concerns of miners and traders with plans to amend outdated regulations and streamline the licensing process. Additionally, there are efforts to enforce stricter environmental protection standards to safeguard the precious ecosystems that are being damaged by illegal mining activities.
If these reforms can be implemented effectively, Matale could see a revival in its gem industry, restoring livelihoods and revitalizing its economy. However, for this to happen, it will require a concerted effort from the government, the NGJA, local communities, and ethical investors to overcome the deeply ingrained challenges that continue to plague the industry.
