The first of the scheduled bi-annual field excursions of DGem(SL)-2022 which is part of the curriculum, took place on the 4th of June 2022. 12 DGem students from OPA batch, 17 from SL Customs batch, 12 GASL Officials and Lecturers participated. In addition, another 14 MSc candidates along with 02 lecturers from the University of Peradeniya also joined the excursion totaling 57 participants.

The team visited the gem markets of Haraniyawaka in Kiriella & Ambagahayata in Rathnapura to gain experience in the mine to market process of rough gemstone materials. Next M/S Sapphirus Lanka (Pvt) Ltd cordially organized a visit to their factory, where the group gained a hands-on knowledge of gem cutting, grading, and heat treatment. Later in the day, with the visit to an operational gem mine at Paradise, Kuruwita all had an experience of a gem mining operation. The last experience the team had was to have a closer look at various specimens of rocks, gem minerals, rough gems, cut and polish gems and jewellery at Danajaya Gem Museum, Ratnapura.

It was undoubtedly a successful field excursion where everyone who participated gained valuable experiences and knowledge.