Gemstone
 Ratnapura, at 100 km on the A4 is the capital of gemstones in Sri Lanka. Any traveller on the road will catch a glimpse of the gem pits and mines in the paddy fields on either side. In the Ratnapura town an early morning auction rids miners of the previous days findings. A large valuable stone is a celebration, often displayed to the public before the auction. 
Sri Lanka is well known for its sparkling rubies, sapphires and cat's eye. The country produces some of the world's best sapphires and a host of semi precious stones.