Armil Sammoon

CEO, Sapphire Cutters Ltd

Armil Sammoon, a fifth-generation gem merchant from a family that has innovatively brought gemstones to global markets for over a century, has played a pivotal role in advancing the Sri Lankan industry’s innovative and sustainable production. As Chairman of FACETS Sri Lanka, Vice President of Promotions and Trade Fairs for the Sri Lanka Gem & Jewellery Association, Board Director of the International Colored Gemstone Association, and former Board Member of the National Gem & Jewellery Authority, he champions Sri Lanka as a global hub for sustainably sourced and manufactured gemstones – cutting, crafting and elevating stones from across the world for worldwide buyers.

As Founder and Chairman of Sapphire Capital Group and President Sapphire Cutters, Armil leads a diversified portfolio spanning gemstones, luxury hospitality and investment. He serves as President of the GIA Alumni Chapter in Sri Lanka and is a Founding Board Member of the Confederation of Micro, Small and Medium Industries. Armil was invited by Harvard to participate in the GIA Global Leadership Programme at Harvard Business School in 2018, enhancing his leadership in the gem industry. Armil has contributed articles and appeared in gemology documentaries on NOVA PBS, BBC, and CCTV. Honored with the Sri Lankan Deshabandu Award and Justice of Peace title, he will share insights on innovative practices and the future of global collaboration at ICA Congress 2025.

All Sessions by Armil Sammoon

4:15 pm - 4:45 pm

Sri Lanka 2050: The Silk Route Gem Hub for Global Trade Dominance

Royal Tulip, Ballroom 3

Armil Sammoon, a fifth-generation gem trader from a family that has transformed global gemstone markets for over a century, will present Sri Lanka as the ultimate springboard for the industry to maximize profits. Leveraging Sri Lanka’s historic Silk Route legacy, world-class ports (Colombo, Trincomalee and Hambantota), compact yet resource-rich landscape, and captivating beauty, Armil will outline how dealers can harness Sri Lanka’s trading and manufacturing prowess to thrive along other countries. He will highlight Sri Lanka’s ability to source, process, and distribute gemstones from local and global origins, positioning it as the future epicenter of the gemstone trade by 2040. Attendees will learn strategies to leverage Sri Lanka’s efficient ports, diverse gem inventory, and cultural allure to boost margins and access global markets, ensuring long-term profitability in a competitive landscape.