A bunch of sapphires has also been found in a mine in Rakwana, Ratnapura.
The sapphire weighs about 80 kilograms and has been handed over to the Gem and Jewelery Authority by its owner for auction at an international gem exhibition in China next November.
Its owner is Earl Gunasekera, a prominent businessman and former Deputy Minister. He says he expects the gem to be worth $ 50 million at auction.
