• 15-20 US graphite researchers to visit in Apr.-May 2026 for summit, Pera Uni. workshop and field visits to Bogala/Kahatagaha/Ragedara

A virtual meeting was held between the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Washington, District of Columbia, United States (US), and a delegation of Montana business leaders on 24 September  with a focus on the exploration of potential collaboration in Sri Lanka’s graphite-mining sector.

The presentation was made by Professor in Geosciences Kusali Gamage, on behalf of the Montana side, highlighting the significant untapped potential in this important sector, emphasising that Sri Lankan graphite, renowned globally for its purity, is currently exported with minimal value-addition and utilising traditional mining methods. There is a clear opportunity to introduce advanced technologies and value-added processing techniques to significantly enhance the sector’s profitability and global competitiveness. 

Prof. Gamage also mentioned her plans to lead a delegation of 15-20 US-based graphite researchers to Sri Lanka next April (in 2026) for a Graphite Mining Summit. A five-day graphite workshop will be held at the University of Peradeniya from 27 April to 1 May 2026, bringing together experts from Sri Lanka and the US, where participants will share knowledge, conduct field visits, and explore research and development opportunities at Sri Lanka’s renowned vein graphite mines in Bogala, Kahatagaha, and Ragedara.