Three priceless gems belonging to the National Gem and Jewellery Authority have been placed securely in a safe at the Bank of Ceylon Headquarters in Colombo.

Lohan Ratwatte, State Minister for Gem and Jewellery Industries, was instructed to place the gems today under special protection.

It was recently decided to suspend all activities of the National Gem and Jewellery Authority in Kollupitiya.

This is mainly since the building is faced with the risk of sinking.

The National Gem and Jewellery Authority (NGJA) is currently establishing a gem and jewellery based industry at the State Ministry premises in Narahenpita, the ministry said in a statement.

However, the National Gem and Jewellery Authority is being established at the State Ministry premises in Narahenpita on the advise of State Minister of Gem and Jewellery related Industries Lohan Ratwatte. 

Three priceless gemstones that were kept in a safe under the watch of the National Gem and Jewellery Authority have been placed at the Bank of Ceylon, under STF protection.

The gemstones will remain at the Bank of Ceylon until the NGJA is properly relocated to the new premises.