Friday Feb 27, 2026
Friday Feb 27, 2026
Friday, 27 February 2026 00:02 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
By Sisira Wijesinghe
A delegation, representing the Montana State Partnership Program, engaged with Ambassador Mahinda Samarasinghe to explore substantial investment opportunities within Sri Lanka’s graphite sector. The delegation featured SPP Director Lieutenant Colonel Chris Cory alongside Mooney Group LLC Founder James Mooney – a leading US mining firm specialising in critical minerals. Mooney, accompanied by Mooney Group MD Mary Mooney and Montana DOT Chris Dorrington, conveyed a strong interest in investing in Sri Lanka’s graphite industry and leveraging their expertise to connect with US and global markets.
Ambassador Samarasinghe welcomed this intent, emphasising Sri Lanka’s commitment to facilitating and encouraging Foreign Direct Investment resulting in value added production. He underlined that the Expression of Interest to develop Sri Lanka’s Graphite Industry by sharing technology, safety and environmental standards, represents a vital stride towards bolstering bilateral economic ties and positioning Sri Lanka more prominently in the global critical minerals supply chain.
The Mooney Group firm focuses on identifying and developing mineral resources, particularly those critical to the semiconductor, battery, and defence industries. The Group employs a hands-on, strategic approach to mining and resource management, often operating as a partner to drive value in mineral extraction and processing. The firm has been involved in exploring opportunities in Central Asia and leveraging professional expertise to optimise mining operations.
The Deputy Chief of Mission Maduka Wickramarachchi, Commerce Minister Nalinda Wijerathne, and the Defence Adviser Commodore Dumindu Abeywickrama were also present.
