Gem dealer faces political threats over USD 400M Blue Sapphire
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Gem dealer faces political threats over USD 400M Blue Sapphire

Gem dealer faces political threats over USD 400M Blue Sapphire

Gem businessman Thushara Perera said he has been facing political threats over a special blue sapphire which he received in 2017 and is valued at over USD 400 million.

 

This gem is a 350-carat blue sapphire from the corundum family. Although buyers from the United States and Germany were interested in purchasing it, he couldn’t bring the money into Sri Lanka due to legal and financial restrictions. He had to ask government Ministers for help to sell the stone.

 

Since 2017, attempts to sell this gemstone abroad have failed because Sri Lanka's Gem and Jewellery Authority does not provide appraisal values for rough stones. This has made it difficult to export the stone.

 

Additionally, the export rules allow only semi-precious stones to be sold abroad. During this time, a former State Minister from the Kandy district had offered to mediate the sale but had demanded a bribe of Rs. 150 million. Similarly, a former Minister from the Ratnapura district too had asked for a share of the stone's value in exchange for assistance. He was even promised a position as Vice Chairman of Thushara’s foundation.

 

Thushara claimed that in 2018 he was kidnapped and held for ransom and later released in the Puwakpitiya area of Avissawella.

 

Because of these incidents, Thushara claimed that he has suffered mental distress due to political threats and ongoing pressure.

 

Even if Thushara finds a buyer and gets money for the gem stone, Sri Lanka’s laws make it impossible to export rough stones. Thushara also faces legal challenges in bringing the money back into the country.

 

Thushara said he is willing to discuss these issues with the government to find a solution.

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