• No plans to sell graphite mines to India: Min. of Environment
• Govt. plans to seek JVs and technologies to create value-added products

The Government is in discussions with India to obtain support, technology and expertise to develop the island’s graphite sector, it is learnt.

In the wake of several speculations being circulated that India is looking to acquire Sri Lanka’s graphite mines, the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau (GSMB) and Ministry of Environment denied the said allegations, claiming that the alleged discussions focused on obtaining India’s support to develop the country’s graphite sector.

Last week, several international and domestic newspapers reported that India was in talks with Sri Lanka to acquire its graphite mines in view of the rapidly increasing demand for Sri Lanka’s graphite. Those reports have disclosed that the Indian Government had discussions with the Government of Sri Lanka on acquiring graphite mines here. Stressing the high quality of the graphite found in Sri Lanka, certain Indian news outlets have reported that several discussions have been held in this regard.

In this context, when contacted by The Daily Morning yesterday (26), the Director General of the GSMB Prof. Ranjith Premasiri, stated that they have held several discussions with the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka regarding how to obtain the support and knowledge of Indian experts and technology to enhance the potential of the country’s graphite sector; otherwise, no discussion was held regarding the sale of graphite mines in Sri Lanka to India. “We held some discussions with the Indian High Commission to seek their support to develop the country’s mineral sector. As we know, India has a very high level of technology in terms of mining and drilling. We focused on the possibilities of obtaining their support. No party discussed acquiring graphite mines. "Some local and Indian newspapers had misinterpreted it,” he said.

Stating that Sri Lanka does not have the required technology to explore 'vein graphite' easily, he said that Sri Lanka is to seek the support and technology of India to drill the mines where such resources can be found. Prof. Premasiri also noted that the said discussions mainly focused on the possibility of launching such joint ventures and collaborative measures that can be taken with the support of two governments. “Also, we seek their support and technology in manufacturing batteries and other value-added products associated with the graphite industry,” he said.

Meanwhile, Secretary to the Ministry of Environment Prabhath Chadrakeerthi told The Daily Morning that the Government has no idea to give Sri Lanka’s graphite mines to India, and no discussion has been held in this regard. He said the Environment Ministry is working to develop the mineral resources in Sri Lanka while generating revenue from them; therefore, no such move will be taken in the future either.

State Minister of Environment Janaka Wakkumbura was unavailable to comment.