The President of Sri Lanka Ranil Wickremesinghe (2023- ) met Joy's family at Colombo, Sri Lankan. December 13, 2023
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I was raised by a picturesque riverside in China, while Sam grew up amidst a mountain of gems in Sri Lanka. We met at Bryant University in the U.S. The moment the river artist and the gem collector crossed paths, our lives took a turn.
Sam came from a well-known family in Sri Lanka, the kingdom of gems. After our daughter, Aanya, was born in 2015, we began helping her pediatrician, Dr. Linda Ciu, source a collection of high-quality natural sapphires directly from Sri Lankan gem miners. Inspired by this, we designed and crafted a graceful ring and a pair of earrings that delighted Dr. Ciu and her friends.
Through this venture, we brought our American friends the finest Ceylon jewelry while also empowering grassroots gem miners and craftswomen in Sri Lanka to establish their practices. We did it all as volunteers, driven by a passion for making a difference.
The Galappatty family has been committed to standing by the local people for generations. Guided by wisdom and a deep sense of justice, they have played a vital role in protecting the interests and dignity of their community, ensuring the continued peace and prosperity of southern Sri Lanka for centuries.
Many legends have emerged from this esteemed family.
One such figure was our grandpa, Abraham Galappatty, the revered "Muhandiram" of the South Seaport area during the Colonial Era. Known for his unwavering loyalty, he dedicated his life to safeguarding the well-being of local people, advocating for their rights, and preserving their cultural heritage amidst colonial rule.
Our father, Gunasena Galappatty, was a pioneering Sri Lankan producer who made history by revolutionizing Sri Lankan drama and building a cultural bridge between Sri Lanka and the Western world.
Educated at the University of Ceylon and Yale University, he became the first Sri Lankan to work and produce on Broadway in New York City, USA.
His landmark play, Muduputtu (1962), remains a cultural treasure, with its songs still sung across generations.
Since I joined the family, I connected with the spirit of the family to love the local people in Sri Lanka.
In 2017, supported by the most esteemed gem families, grassroots miners, gem dealers, craftsmen, and craftswomen in Sri Lanka, Sam and I founded the International Sapphire Association in Sri Lanka.
It is the first international organization dedicated to natural sapphires, operating from the world's largest natural sapphire produce area, Ratnapura, Sri Lanka. The mission is twofold: to improve the livelihoods of Ceylon gem miners and artisans, and to enhance the environmental conditions of Ceylon gem mining areas.
Since its establishment, I have proudly served as Co-Chairman of the International Sapphire Association.
From 2017 to 2020, I built a vertically integrated gems and jewelry business, encompassing mining, manufacturing, and wholesaling.
My daughter Aanya and I expanded our efforts to empower Sri Lankan women. We began sponsoring young girls to return to school, ensuring they have access to education and opportunities for a brighter future. At the same time, we supported Sri Lankan mothers in achieving financial independence by helping them establish and grow their businesses.
In 2022, Sri Lanka experienced its worst economic crisis since gaining independence in 1948. My husband, Sam, traveled back to Sri Lanka multiple times to support his people. One night in November 2022, he called me at midnight from Sri Lanka, his voice trembling with emotion. He had just helped a struggling family on the beach and couldn't hold back his tears.
I decided to launch a retail channel to create a sustainable way to support those in need, providing more aid to struggling families during this crisis.
On January 9, 2023, I opened the Ceylon Gems and Jewelry Gallery "Weston Jewel Art" in Weston, Massachusetts, United States.
My journey has gradually transitioned from being a literature professor to becoming an entrepreneur. I am grateful for this transformation, as it has empowered me to better support those in need.
Thank you for your interest, and we warmly welcome you to join us!
Looking forward to bringing real fortune to your life!
Co-founder and CEO
Joy MG PhD.
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