Can tourists visit an active gem mine in Ratnapura?

Yes, many traditional pit mines in the Ratnapura area welcome tourists. These are often artisanal mines using wooden scaffolding and hand tools. You can watch miners descend into the deep pits and see the basket washing process where they look for rough stones. It is customary to leave a small tip for the workers if you take photos. Your guesthouse can usually arrange a local guide to take you to a nearby active site.