Saturday Sep 05, 2026
Saturday Sep 05, 2026
Saturday, 5 September 2026 00:35 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has called for a more coordinated approach to developing Sri Lanka’s mineral industry under the export-oriented National Mineral Policy 2026, with discussions focusing on attracting investment, improving licensing processes and increasing value addition.
A meeting chaired by the President earlier this week with officials from the Sri Lanka Mineral Sands Association (SLMSA) and the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau examined measures required to systematically harness the country’s mineral resources to support economic growth and expand export earnings.
The discussions covered exploration, extraction and value addition of mineral resources, with particular attention given to developing infrastructure, providing incentives for investors and promoting research and development to strengthen domestic manufacturing industries. The move comes as the Government seeks to identify sectors capable of generating higher export earnings and reducing reliance on traditional foreign exchange sources. However, the meeting also highlighted longstanding challenges facing the sector, including delays in obtaining mining licences and difficulties investors encounter when engaging with Government
institutions.
The President emphasised the need to address shortcomings in the existing policy framework while ensuring transparency in attracting investments and improving coordination among institutions involved in
the sector.
Mineral exports amounted to $ 20 million in the first seven months of 2026, up nearly 60% from a year ago. Sri Lanka’s mineral export potential is estimated at $ 778 million under the International Trade Centre’s Export Potential Map.
