As a child near Colombo, Sri Lanka, Ken Selvaraja would search riverbanks for colored stones that could be sapphires, rubies, or zircons. The famed 'Ceylon' sapphires, known for their bright blue hue, continue to be revered worldwide.

Ken recalls a lesson from his mother: “She always added extra rice to the pot, saying, ‘We give food to anyone who’s hungry, and you’ll never be short of giving.’”

Originally pursuing medicine in England, Ken shifted paths after his father’s passing and financial hardship. He met his wife, Sandra, in nursing school, and the couple moved to Canada. While working as a psychiatric nurse, Ken’s passion for gemstones led him to study jewelry design and goldsmithing. In 1979, he opened a store in Mission, turning his hobby into a business just as he was about to become a father.

Starting with little more than a small home and no business plan, Ken faced many challenges securing a loan. "My business wasn’t just about supporting my family," he says, "I have an incredible team who’ve been with me for years."

As Ken nears retirement, he’s ensured that Lanka Jewels will continue to serve the Fraser Valley community with a legacy of quality and care.