February 26, Colombo (LNW): A delegation from the United States, linked to Montana’s State Partnership Programme, has held discussions with Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Washington, Mahinda Samarasinghe, to examine potential large-scale investment in the island’s graphite sector, a report by Daily Mirror disclosed.
The visiting team comprised Lieutenant Colonel Chris Cory, Director of the State Partnership Programme (SPP), alongside James Mooney, founder of Mooney Group LLC — an American mining enterprise focused on critical minerals — as well as Mary Mooney, Managing Director of the firm, and Chris Dorrington from the Montana Department of Transportation, according to report.
During the meeting, the delegation conveyed keen interest in tapping Sri Lanka’s high-grade graphite reserves, with a view to connecting future output to supply chains in the United States and other major industrial markets. Graphite is increasingly regarded as a strategic mineral due to its essential role in electric vehicle batteries, semiconductors and certain defence applications.
Ambassador Samarasinghe welcomed the overture, reaffirming Sri Lanka’s readiness to attract responsible foreign direct investment, particularly in sectors capable of generating value-added exports rather than merely shipping raw materials. He observed that collaboration with experienced American partners could introduce advanced extraction technologies, modern safety protocols and strengthened environmental safeguards — all of which would enhance the competitiveness of Sri Lanka’s mineral exports.
He further noted that deeper engagement in the critical minerals sphere would not only diversify Sri Lanka’s export base but also reinforce economic ties between Colombo and Washington at a time when global supply chains are being reshaped.
Mooney Group has established a reputation for developing and optimising mineral resources essential to high-tech manufacturing and energy storage industries, frequently working with partners to modernise mining and processing operations. Officials accompanying the discussions included Sri Lanka’s Deputy Chief of Mission Maduka Wickramarachchi, Minister of Commerce Nalinda Wijerathne and Defence Adviser Commodore Dumindu Abeywickrama.
Industry observers suggest that, if realised, such an investment could mark a significant step in positioning Sri Lanka as a reliable supplier within the rapidly expanding global market for critical minerals.