President pushes faster investment to unlock Sri Lanka’s mineral wealth
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has called for greater transparency, better coordination among state institutions and faster action to address obstacles faced by investors in Sri Lanka’s mineral industry.
A discussion on developing the country’s mineral industry under the export-oriented National Mineral Policy 2026 was held at the Presidential Secretariat this afternoon (August 31), chaired by the President.
Officials from the Sri Lanka Mineral Sands Association (SLMSA) and the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau also participated in the meeting.
The discussion focused on the exploration, extraction and value addition of Sri Lanka’s mineral resources and on measures needed to systematically use those resources to support economic growth and increase export earnings.
Attention was also given to improving infrastructure, providing incentives for investors and encouraging research and development to strengthen domestic manufacturing industries linked to the mineral sector.
The participants discussed urgent measures required to attract both local and foreign investment while addressing challenges faced by the industry.
Particular attention was given to difficulties investors face when dealing with government institutions, including delays and other issues related to obtaining licences for mining activities.
Shortcomings in the existing policy framework were also discussed.
President Dissanayake stressed the need to ensure maximum transparency when attracting investment into the sector and called for effective coordination among all relevant government institutions.
Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Sunil Handunnetti, the Chairman of the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka, Senior Adviser to the President on Economic Affairs Duminda Hulangamuwa, Director General Dr. J.G.L. Sulakshana Jayawardena, Geological Survey and Mines Bureau Chairman Saman Jayasinghe, Director General N. Bandara, Sri Lanka Mineral Sands Association Chairman Mangala P.B. Yapa, Vice Chairman Elian Winston Gunawardena and other SLMSA members attended the discussion.