The National Gem and Jewellery Authority is a pioneer in gemstone testing and certification in Sri Lanka. Over the last five decades, it has gradually grown into its current status. NGJA gemologists have consistently carried out their duties with utmost dedication, utilizing available facilities. Due to their expertise in identifying gemstones, most decisions have been highly accurate, resulting in no complaints thus far. While private gemological laboratories are proliferating, NGJA’s gemstone certificates remain highly sought after, both locally and internationally. Few gemstone laboratories worldwide are government-owned, placing NGJA in a prestigious category. Consequently, NGJA certificates enjoy widespread acceptance among gem dealers, both domestic and foreign.

Since its inception and over the past several decades, NGJA has exclusively relied on conventional gemological instruments. Throughout this period, NGJA has consistently attracted highly competent and professionally qualified gemologists, enabling the organization to uphold an exceptionally high standard.

Periodically, NGJA has enhanced the quality of its gemstone certificates to align with those of other renowned gemstone laboratories. These enhancements include the integration of security features like barcodes, QR codes, and holographic stickers. Moreover, upgrades have been implemented to enable the verification of certificate authenticity using a mobile phone or computer from any location with internet access worldwide.

NGJA embarked on a bold initiative to upgrade its gemstone laboratory, investing a significant amount of funds into competency and infrastructure development. As part of this initiative, two NGJA gemologists are enrolled in prestigious foreign courses in gemology annually to enhance the professionalism of the staff. Additionally, the laboratory is undergoing the process of obtaining ISO certification, aiming to become the sole ISO-certified gemstone laboratory in Sri Lanka upon completion. Furthermore, NGJA is actively procuring state-of-the-art modern analytical instruments capable of detecting even the slightest enhancements in gemstones, as well as identifying all types of synthetic gemstones. Currently, the laboratory boasts highly advanced equipment, including a Raman Microprobe and an FTIR, which ensure the precision of its work and bolster international recognition for NGJA gemstone certificates. With plans to acquire additional instruments in the coming months, NGJA’s laboratory is poised to be acknowledged as a highly advanced world-class gemological facility.