“CITY OF GEMS” RATNAPURA Ratnapura, known as the “City of Gems” in Sri Lanka, derives its name from the Sanskrit words “ratna” (gemstone) and “pura” (town or city). As the hub of Sri Lanka’s gem mining industry. The name is derived from Sanskrit and Pali, languages that heavily influenced the region over 2000 years ago. The city earned this name because it has been the traditional center of Sri Lanka’s gem trade for over 2,000 years. It is the primary source of world-renowned precious stones, including blue sapphires, rubies, and cat’s eyes.Some historical accounts suggest a different origin linked to the Portuguese colonial era. There is a view that the name could be derived from the Portuguese word “Rapadura,” which refers to jaggery. Ratnapura is the heart of Sri Lanka’s gem industry, often called the “gem capital of the world” due to its incredible geological wealth and ancient trading history. The region is famous for producing over 40 of the 85 known gemstone varieties in the world. The most famous is the “Ceylon Sapphire,” prized for its vivid cornflower and royal blue hues. Other varieties include yellow, pink, and the rare orange-pink Padparadscha. Specialty Stones: Includes the rare Alexandrite (which changes color in different light), Cat’s Eye Chrysoberyl, Spinel, Tourmaline, Garnet, and Moonstone. The sapphire in Princess Diana’s Iconic engagement ring is a Ceylon sapphire from the Ratnapura area. Many world-renowned gems were unearthed in the Ratnapura district. One of the largest faceted blue sapphires ever found in Ratnapura, Blue Giant of the Orient is over 465 carats. The city features remains of a Portuguese-Dutch Fort, which now houses the National Gem and Jewellery Authority. Ratnapura is the starting point for the “classic” hard route (Gilimale route) to the sacred Sripada. Ratnapura district is home to a significant number of spectacular waterfalls, often described as having the highest concentration of waterfalls in Sri Lanka. – By Francis Paul Welangoda

Last updated: April 26, 2026 7:04 pm

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Ratnapura – The City of Gems: Sri Lanka’s Timeless Treasure of Nature and Heritage”

Source : Francis Paul Welangoda’s FB post

Ratnapura, known as the “City of Gems” in Sri Lanka, derives its name from the Sanskrit words “ratna” (gemstone) and “pura” (town or city). As the hub of Sri Lanka’s gem mining industry. The name is derived from Sanskrit and Pali, languages that heavily influenced the region over 2000 years ago. The city earned this name because it has been the traditional center of Sri Lanka’s gem trade for over 2,000 years. It is the primary source of world-renowned precious stones, including blue sapphires, rubies, and cat’s eyes.Some historical accounts suggest a different origin linked to the Portuguese colonial era. There is a view that the name could be derived from the Portuguese word “Rapadura,” which refers to jaggery. Ratnapura is the heart of Sri Lanka’s gem industry, often called the “gem capital of the world” due to its incredible geological wealth and ancient trading history. The region is famous for producing over 40 of the 85 known gemstone varieties in the world. The most famous is the “Ceylon Sapphire,” prized for its vivid cornflower and royal blue hues. Other varieties include yellow, pink, and the rare orange-pink Padparadscha. Specialty Stones: Includes the rare Alexandrite (which changes color in different light), Cat’s Eye Chrysoberyl, Spinel, Tourmaline, Garnet, and Moonstone. The sapphire in Princess Diana’s Iconic engagement ring is a Ceylon sapphire from the Ratnapura area. Many world-renowned gems were unearthed in the Ratnapura district. One of the largest faceted blue sapphires ever found in Ratnapura, Blue Giant of the Orient is over 465 carats. The city features remains of a Portuguese-Dutch Fort, which now houses the National Gem and Jewellery Authority.

Ratnapura is the starting point for the “classic” hard route (Gilimale route) to the sacred Sripada. Ratnapura district is home to a significant number of spectacular waterfalls, often described as having the highest concentration of waterfalls in Sri Lanka.

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