Sri Lanka's historic Chinafort Gem Market in Beruwala has implemented new operating hours and trading protocols following consultations with stakeholders, marking a coordinated effort to manage the market's growth while balancing the interests of traders, residents, and visitors.

The Chinafort Gem Market, described as the world's oldest open-air gem trading venue, has entered a new phase of operations following the introduction of a formal trading protocol on 18 July 2026. The initiative emerged from discussions involving multiple stakeholder groups including traders, local residents, property owners, and municipal authorities seeking to establish standardized operating procedures for the bustling marketplace.

Under the new framework, the market operates between 9am and 3pm, a schedule that was established through collective agreement among participants. According to NewsWire, the protocol launch ceremony drew over 1,500 attendees, including political representatives, officials from the National Gem and Jewellery Authority, and leaders of the Ceylon Gem and Jewellery Traders Association. The market attracts more than 5,000 local and international traders and visitors on busy trading days, making the coordination of operations a logistical priority.

The first month of implementation has reportedly proceeded successfully, with stakeholders providing positive feedback on the structured approach. The Ceylon Gem and Jewellery Traders Association credited the new protocol with helping maintain the market's reputation as a reliable source for quality gemstones while ensuring peaceful coexistence between commercial activities and residential communities in the Beruwala area. The initiative reflects broader efforts to modernize operations at the heritage market while preserving its historical significance in Sri Lanka's gem industry.