U.S. firms eye investment in Sri Lanka’s graphite industry

26 February 2026 11:04 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 3 Bookmark

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By Sisira Wijesinghe from Washington DC

Colombo, Feb 26 (Daily Mirror) - A U.S. delegation from the Montana State Partnership Program met with Ambassador Mahinda Samarasinghe today to explore major investment opportunities in Sri Lanka’s graphite sector. The delegation included Lieutenant Colonel Chris Cory, SPP Director, and Mr. James Mooney, Founder of Mooney Group LLC a leading U.S. mining firm specializing in critical minerals along with Ms. Mary Mooney (MD, Mooney Group) and Mr. Chris Dorrington (Montana DOT).

The group expressed strong interest in investing in Sri Lanka’s graphite industry and leveraging their expertise to access U.S. and global markets. Ambassador Samarasinghe welcomed the initiative, highlighting Sri Lanka’s commitment to facilitating Foreign Direct Investment and promoting value-added production. He noted that the proposed collaboration, including sharing technology, safety, and environmental standards, would strengthen bilateral economic ties and position Sri Lanka as a key player in the global critical minerals supply chain.

The Mooney Group focuses on developing mineral resources vital to the semiconductor, battery, and defense industries, often partnering to optimize mining and processing operations. The delegation’s visit also included Deputy Chief of Mission Mr. Maduka Wickramarachchi, Minister of Commerce Mr. Nalinda Wijerathne, and Defence Adviser Commodore Dumindu Abeywickrama.

Pix by Ishara Dharmarathna

Comments - 3

Just saying - be cautious and act wisely Thursday, 26 February 2026 02:31 PM

Don’t let US monopolise or own our graphite resources otherwise we might be in the position of buying our own graphite from US owners! Far better if we control this industry and own it ourselves rather than hand over to foreign investors.

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Jeremy Thursday, 26 February 2026 06:01 PM

The US is like a evil, hungry, ugly monster, ready to devour any thing in its path just to satisfy that evil craving inside itself.

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M Fernando Thursday, 26 February 2026 06:58 PM

There is no need to sell our @rse to the US. Graphite is a critical mineral in todays EV industry and others. Search for the best deal and sign with someone else. The US has given up on EV's and we should not be held hostage to them. Being a partner to the US is a very dangerous prospect since they have proved they cannot be trusted

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