The Story of Weston JewelART
The Story of Weston JewelART
The President of Sri Lanka, Ranil Wickremesinghe (2022-2024 ) and Dr. Joy M. Galappatty's family at Colombo, Sri Lankan. December 13, 2023
Our grandfather, Abraham Galappatty, the revered Muhandiram — Chief Headman and Local Magistrate during the Colonial Era — stood as a pillar of strength and wisdom in southern Sri Lanka, the radiant trading hub at the heart of the Kingdom of Gems.
A man of deep conviction and compassion, he led his people with dignity, courage, and an unshakable sense of justice. His leadership and authority in Colonial Era were rooted in moral vision and selfless service. At a time when colonial powers sought to reshape the land and its people, he dedicated his life to protecting justice, defending the rights of the local community, and preserving their well-being.
The Galappatty family has carried forward this enduring spirit of service and justice for generations, standing by the people of southern Sri Lanka and upholding their prosperity and dignity.
Carrying forward this legacy, our father, Gunasena Galappatty, transformed that spirit of leadership into the realm of art. Educated at the University of Ceylon and later at Yale University in the United States, he became the first Sri Lankan to work and produce on Broadway — building a historic cultural bridge between East and West.
As a pioneering dramatist and director, he revolutionized Sri Lankan theatre by fusing Western realism with Srilankan traditional storytelling, giving voice to the nation’s modern artistic identity. Widely honored as the Father of Modern Sri Lankan Art, his influence reshaped the country’s cultural landscape.
His landmark play, Muduputtu (1962), remains a timeless treasure — with its songs still resonating throughout Sri Lanka. Through art, our father upheld the same ideals grandpa embodied: justice, dignity, and a deep commitment to fostering understanding and collaboration between Sri Lanka and the Western world.
Guided by the noble legacies of Abraham and Gunasena, the Galappatty family remains steadfast in its mission — to uphold justice, nurture creativity, and preserve the soul of Sri Lanka.
In 2017, with the support of Sri Lanka’s most esteemed gem families and dedicated grassroots miners, we founded the International Sapphire Association — the world first international organization devoted exclusively to natural sapphires. Headquartered in Ratnapura, the world’s largest source of natural sapphires, the Association was created with a dual mission: to uplift the livelihoods of Ceylon’s gem miners and artisans, and to promote environmentally responsible practices within the country’s gem mining regions.
Since its founding, Dr. Joy M. Galappatty has proudly served as Co-Chair, continuing the family’s enduring legacy of leadership, service, and integrity.
From 2017, under the leadership of Dr. Joy M. Galappatty, we developed a vertically integrated gems and jewelry enterprise, uniting mining, manufacturing, and operations under one vision. Each of our services is meticulously customized to meet the unique needs of our global VIP clientele.
Dr. Galappatty and her daughter Aanya Galappatty expanded our efforts to empower Sri Lankan kids and 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 faced its most severe economic crisis since gaining independence in 1948. During this difficult time, Galappatty family members returned from the United States multiple times to support local communities in the south. Witnessing the hardships faced by our people, we decided to establish a retail channel that would provide meaningful support — creating a public way to assist those most affected by the crisis.
On January 9, 2023, we opened the Ceylon Gems and Jewelry Gallery “Weston JewelArt” in Weston, Massachusetts, USA — a distinguished and historic town known for its elegance and charm. Our gems and jewelry were also selected to be exhibited on 1stDibs.com, America’s premier platform for fine jewelry and art. This milestone further strengthened the global bridge between Sri Lanka’s gem miners and the world’s growing appreciation.
Thank you for your interest!
We’re excited to bring a touch of Westo JewelArt elegance to your life.
Co-founder and CEO, Weston JewelArt
Dr. Joy M. Galappatty