Fashion Events in Sri Lanka
The Facets Show
The Facets Show 2026: Where Timeless Beauty Meets Sri Lanka’s Gem Legacy
Each year, the global gem and jewellery industry eagerly anticipates the launch of its major trade events and in 2026, The Facets Show once again sets the tone for the year. Held at the luxurious Cinnamon Grand Colombo, this event is not just a marketplace for gemstones; it is a celebration of artistry, heritage, and innovation rooted in the island nation of Sri Lanka. Often referred to as the "Jewel Box of the Indian Ocean," Sri Lanka has captivated the world for centuries with its vibrant gems, particularly the blue sapphires and the coveted Padparadscha sapphires that seem to capture the sunset within a stone.
Organized by the Sri Lanka Gem & Jewellery Association, Facets 2026 is more than just a trade event it is a living showcase of the culture and craftsmanship that make Sri Lanka a treasured name in the global gem trade.
Sri Lanka’s Gemstone Legacy on Full Display
What makes Facets 2026 stand apart from other exhibitions is its deep commitment to heritage. While the event features cutting-edge jewellery designs and global market trends, it never loses sight of its roots. Every display, session, and interaction is tied back to the story of Sri Lanka — a story that has been shaped by its unique geology, centuries of craftsmanship, and the cultural reverence for nature’s beauty.
In the exhibition hall, a rich tapestry of colour unfolds before your eyes: deep blues, warm pink-oranges, fiery reds, and luminous greens. Exhibitors include both established jewellers and emerging designers, all presenting handcrafted pieces that reflect a fusion of ancient technique and modern aesthetics.
But beyond the glitter, what truly shines is the knowledge shared through immersive sessions and conversations with gemologists, miners, and designers who bring these stones to life.
Highlights That Make Facets 2026 a Must-Attend Event
The event offers a carefully curated program of activities and sessions designed to inform, inspire, and connect industry professionals. Among the most anticipated features of this year’s edition are:
Gems and Journeys: Stories from the Heart of the Trade
This interactive session is a standout moment at the event. It invites experts from around the globe to share their experiences in sourcing, cutting, and marketing gems. These stories not only highlight the intricate processes behind each finished piece but also offer insights into:
Ethical mining practices
Gemstone authentication techniques
Trade challenges in developing countries
How traditional methods coexist with technology
These conversations humanize the gem industry and connect attendees to the often unseen individuals behind the sparkle.
Women Leading the Way in Jewellery
Empowerment and Elegance at the Women’s Power Breakfast
The Women’s Power Breakfast is more than a networking opportunity it’s a statement. Hosted in an elegant, relaxed setting, this exclusive event celebrates the often underrepresented women of the gem and jewellery industry. It promotes innovation, leadership, and empowerment through real-life stories, idea exchanges, and mentorship opportunities.
Speakers at the breakfast include a mix of entrepreneurs, artisans, CEOs, and activists, sharing their journeys and discussing how women are shaping the future of the global jewellery trade.
Topics discussed include:
Challenges women face in gem mining and design sectors
Balancing creativity and business in jewellery entrepreneurship
Building inclusive supply chains
The role of women in promoting ethical sourcing
This session provides a platform where experience meets ambition and where change is born out of conversation.
Tales of the Trade: Learning from the Past to Shape the Future
Deep Dives into Industry Trends and Innovations
On the final day of the exhibition, participants gather for the Tales of the Trade knowledge-sharing sessions. This segment offers a look into where the industry is headed, and how heritage continues to influence innovation.
Topics include:
Global shifts in gem demand
Technological advancements in gem cutting
Sustainable mining practices
The growing role of blockchain in gemstone verification
Cultural storytelling through jewellery design
These discussions are grounded in the wisdom of those who have spent decades in the trade and elevated by the fresh ideas of rising professionals.
A Night to Remember: Sapphire Night
As the event draws to a close, the industry’s most anticipated social event takes center stage: Sapphire Night. Held under the stars in a lavish ballroom setting, this evening celebrates the crown jewel of Sri Lanka the sapphire.
Attendees include high-profile designers, traders, gemologists, ambassadors, and media personalities. The atmosphere is electric with excitement and elegance, offering a final chance for networking, celebration, and reflection.
Sapphire Night features:
Awards for outstanding contributions to the gem trade
Live entertainment and cultural performances
Gourmet Sri Lankan cuisine and fusion cocktails
A fashion showcase featuring gemstone-inspired couture
Beyond the Showcase: Experiencing the Soul of Sri Lanka
While the exhibition itself is central, the event also encourages international guests to explore the country’s rich cultural landscape. Many attendees extend their stay to visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites, historic temples, scenic tea plantations, and wildlife sanctuaries creating a perfect blend of business and leisure.
The backdrop of the island with its vibrant markets, lush hills, and serene beaches provides not just a setting, but a deeper context to the gems that originate here. After all, each gemstone is a piece of the land, shaped by time and nature.
Top recommended experiences while in Sri Lanka:
Visit the gem mines in Ratnapura, known as the "City of Gems"
Tour the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy
Explore the Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Relax in the tea fields of Nuwara Eliya
Discover the wildlife in Yala National Park
A Celebration of Heritage, Artistry, and Vision
Facets is more than just a commercial event. It’s a space where beauty meets meaning, where tradition embraces innovation, and where the stories of people and stones intertwine in a shared celebration. For anyone in the gem and jewellery world whether a miner, designer, trader, or simply a lover of fine things this event is a beacon of inspiration and a reminder of the powerful legacy that Sri Lanka holds.
As the curtains fall and the sparkle lingers, attendees leave not just with deals and designs, but with a deeper appreciation for the journey that every gem represents from earth to elegance.
Intex Sri Lanka
Intex Sri Lanka, established in 2015, has rapidly become one of South Asia’s premier international procurement fairs for the apparel and textile industries. Organized by Worldex India Exhibition & Promotion Pvt. Ltd., this annual event takes place at the esteemed Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall in Colombo, Sri Lanka’s vibrant capital. The name "Intex Sri Lanka" perfectly encapsulates the event’s mission: to serve as a focal point for textile and clothing innovations in the region while also positioning Sri Lanka as a key player in the global textile trade.
The fair showcases a comprehensive range of products and services from the textile and apparel sectors. Visitors can explore a diverse array of offerings, from fibers and yarns to specialized apparel fabrics such as denim, chiffon, corduroy, cotton, and even unique fabrics like batik and artificial silk. The fair also highlights the latest advancements in denim products, trimmings, accessories, dyes, and chemicals, along with vital technological solutions, including software and ERP systems designed to streamline textile manufacturing. This wide spectrum of offerings ensures that Intex Sri Lanka caters to every facet of the textile supply chain, making it a must-attend event for those involved in fabric production, garment manufacturing, and textile technology.
One of the key features of Intex Sri Lanka is its dynamic B2B matchmaking platform. The event organizes business forums and dedicated meeting lounges, providing a space for industry professionals—executives, decision-makers, purchasers, and importers—to network and collaborate. These interaction opportunities foster valuable partnerships, facilitate the exchange of ideas, and allow visitors to forge relationships with key players in one of the fastest-growing textile markets in the world. The fair offers more than just a chance to explore new products and trends; it’s an incubator for ideas, a marketplace for innovation, and a space where business opportunities are nurtured.
Intex Sri Lanka stands out as a major event in the global textile calendar, not only for the scale and variety of its exhibition but also for the high level of expertise that it brings together. The fair provides an ideal platform for professionals to discover the latest developments in textile manufacturing technologies, such as CAD/CAM systems, textile design studios, and testing and certification services. These offerings are particularly valuable for companies looking to optimize their production processes and improve product quality. Additionally, the event’s focus on both technological and material innovation helps to highlight the ongoing evolution of the textile and apparel industry.
The venue itself, the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall, is a fitting location for such an influential event. Known for its modern facilities and excellent connectivity, it is easily accessible from various parts of Colombo. The conference hall is located near numerous hotels, restaurants, and cultural attractions, making it convenient for international visitors and exhibitors. This central location further enhances Intex Sri Lanka’s status as a global meeting point for textile professionals, drawing participants from across the world to explore business opportunities in the rapidly growing South Asian market.
Intex Sri Lanka is more than just an exhibition—it is a catalyst for industry advancement. It creates a platform for the textile and clothing industry to come together, collaborate, and drive innovation. Whether it’s discovering the latest fabrics, exploring new technologies, or establishing business relationships, Intex Sri Lanka offers unparalleled opportunities for growth and knowledge exchange. As the fair continues to evolve, it is set to remain a cornerstone event for those seeking to thrive in the dynamic and competitive world of textiles and apparel.
Textech Sri Lanka
Textech Sri Lanka has become a cornerstone event for the global textile industry since its inception in 2010, establishing itself as a premier international trade fair specializing in textiles, fabrics, and machinery. Held annually at the Sri Lanka Exhibition & Convention Centre (SLECC) in Colombo, the event brings together experts, innovators, and industry leaders from all over the world, providing a dynamic platform for networking, learning, and business development. Organized by CEMS Conference & Exhibition Management Services Ltd., Textech Sri Lanka is renowned for its ability to showcase cutting-edge technologies and trends that are shaping the future of the textile and apparel sectors.
With a focus on "Textile Technology," Textech emphasizes innovation and the technological advancements that are transforming the industry. The fair is a vital space for professionals to explore the latest machinery and equipment essential for textile production, from spinning and weaving to dyeing, printing, and recycling. Visitors can expect to see an impressive range of exhibits, including spinning preparation machines, knitting and weaving machinery, textile printing equipment, and advanced computerized sewing machines. The fair also places a strong emphasis on sustainability, with the inclusion of recycling equipment that highlights the industry’s shift towards more eco-friendly practices.
Textech Sri Lanka is more than just a trade fair; it serves as a comprehensive industry showcase, reflecting the diverse and ever-evolving nature of the textile and apparel sectors. Its breadth of offerings ensures that visitors—from CEOs and production managers to traders and exporters—can gain valuable insights into the latest trends, technologies, and best practices shaping the global textile market. The event has attracted professional exhibitors from across the world, underscoring its importance as a hub for international business and collaboration.
The fair’s significance extends beyond the Sri Lankan market, as it plays a crucial role in strengthening the regional and global textile industry. It offers an invaluable opportunity for professionals to meet with top-tier suppliers, explore new partnerships, and gain hands-on experience with the latest machinery and tools. This direct interaction with cutting-edge technology makes Textech a vital destination for anyone in the textile supply chain, from manufacturers looking to upgrade their production lines to retailers seeking the latest fabric innovations.
Textech Sri Lanka also provides a unique opportunity for knowledge exchange, with workshops, seminars, and presentations that offer attendees a deep dive into the latest technological breakthroughs and industry trends. These educational sessions are designed to enhance understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the textile industry today, particularly in terms of automation, sustainability, and digital transformation. The fair’s educational focus ensures that attendees leave with new ideas and strategies they can implement in their own businesses, making it a catalyst for growth and innovation across the textile and apparel sectors.
As one of the leading trade fairs in the textile industry, Textech Sri Lanka continues to grow in size and influence each year. Its reputation as a hub for technological innovation, networking, and business opportunities makes it an essential event for anyone looking to stay at the forefront of the textile and apparel industries. Whether you are a supplier, manufacturer, designer, or business executive, Textech offers unparalleled access to the tools, technologies, and expertise needed to succeed in today’s competitive market.
Colombo International Yarn & Fabric Show
The Colombo International Yarn & Fabric Show (CIYFS) has established itself as a landmark event in the textile and apparel industry since its inception in 2009. Held annually at the Sri Lanka Exhibition & Convention Centre (SLECC) in Colombo, it serves as a pivotal platform for networking, innovation, and business growth within the global textile community. Organized by CEMS Conference & Exhibition Management Services Ltd., a leading organizer of international trade fairs, CIYFS has garnered international recognition as the region's foremost event, drawing key players from the textile sector across the world.
As a crucial business platform, CIYFS attracts a diverse range of exhibitors showcasing the latest in yarns, fabrics, trims, and accessories. The fair spans an impressive spectrum of products, from raw materials like cotton and synthetic fibers to cutting-edge machinery used for sewing, knitting, and textile processing. Visitors can explore everything from advanced CAD/CAM technologies and e-business solutions to home textiles, offering a comprehensive view of the industry's latest innovations and trends. The event is not only a marketplace for high-quality fabrics and machinery but also an educational hub where manufacturers, suppliers, and industry professionals can exchange ideas, share knowledge, and explore new business opportunities.
For Sri Lanka, a nation with a strong presence in the global textile sector due to its robust apparel exports, the event holds significant value. The fair brings together experts from various facets of the industry, including mechanical engineering, textile production, and apparel manufacturing. It highlights Sri Lanka’s growing influence in the global textile arena and underscores the country’s ability to innovate and stay ahead of industry trends. As a prominent exporter of high-quality apparel, Sri Lanka’s participation in CIYFS further elevates its status as a leading player in the global textile market.
CIYFS offers more than just a showcase of products; it is a dynamic platform that facilitates business ventures, partnerships, and collaborations. It acts as a meeting point for industry leaders, enabling them to explore opportunities for joint ventures, technology transfers, and market expansions. The event’s international reach, with exhibitors and visitors from countries such as Brazil, Morocco, and Bangladesh, highlights the fair’s role as a global business connector within the textile industry. As such, it plays a vital role in shaping the future of textiles, from manufacturing to design and distribution.
The venue itself, the Sri Lanka Exhibition & Convention Centre (SLECC), is strategically located in the heart of Colombo, making it easily accessible to international visitors. The modern infrastructure and extensive amenities of the venue provide an ideal setting for an event of such magnitude. The fair’s organization and the professionalism of its hosts ensure that every aspect of the event is streamlined, allowing exhibitors and visitors to maximize their experience.
CIYFS also offers a series of special events, presentations, and exhibitions that spotlight the latest trends and technological advancements within the textile industry. Through these initiatives, the fair continues to inspire attendees with fresh ideas and solutions that drive innovation in textile production and apparel design. Whether it's the exploration of sustainable fabrics, the introduction of new materials, or the unveiling of advanced manufacturing processes, CIYFS remains at the forefront of global textile innovation.
In conclusion, the Colombo International Yarn & Fabric Show is more than just a trade fair—it is a celebration of the textile industry’s evolving landscape. It serves as a meeting point for professionals from all corners of the globe, facilitating not only business transactions but also the exchange of ideas and expertise. For Sri Lanka, it showcases the country’s growing prominence in the international textile market, and for the global industry, it remains an essential event to witness the latest innovations that will shape the future of textiles worldwide.
FACETS
Facets, South Asia’s premier gem and jewelry exhibition, is set to captivate the world this January at the luxurious Cinnamon Grand Colombo. This prestigious event promises an unparalleled showcase of stunning gemstones and will attract a diverse audience, including buyers, manufacturers, retailers, and collectors from around the globe.
This year, Facets takes a fascinating journey into the past, drawing inspiration from ancient kingdoms and exploring their profound influence on the modern gem and jewelry trade. The exhibition will spotlight Sri Lanka's rich heritage as a historic hub for precious stones and underscore its current status as a leading source of some of the world’s most exquisite gemstones.
Among the highlights of Facets will be a dazzling array of world-renowned gemstones, including the rare and coveted Padparadscha sapphire. Known for its unique blend of pink and orange hues, the Padparadscha sapphire is a symbol of Sri Lanka's unparalleled gemological heritage and a testament to the country's exceptional craftsmanship. Attendees will have the opportunity to view and acquire these lustrous wonders, making it a must-attend event for those seeking to add rare and exceptional pieces to their collections.
Facets serves as a crucial platform for showcasing the best that the global gem and jewelry industry has to offer. With its rich history and emphasis on contemporary excellence, the exhibition not only highlights Sri Lanka's longstanding tradition of gem mining and jewelry crafting but also sets the stage for future innovations and trends in the industry. It provides a unique opportunity for industry professionals to connect, exchange ideas, and explore the latest developments in gemstone technology and design.
The venue, Cinnamon Grand Colombo, adds an extra layer of elegance to the event, offering a sophisticated backdrop that complements the grandeur of the gemstones on display. The luxurious setting enhances the experience for both exhibitors and visitors, ensuring that Facets remains a premier event in the global jewelry calendar.
In summary, Facets is more than just a gem and jewelry exhibition; it is a celebration of Sri Lanka's storied legacy and a showcase of the finest gemstones available today. By journeying through the historical influences on contemporary trade and featuring rare gems like the Padparadscha sapphire, the exhibition promises to deliver an unforgettable experience for all who attend. For anyone passionate about gemstones and jewelry, Facets is an essential event that blends historical significance with modern luxury in a truly spectacular setting.
