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Country in ideal position to welcome Japanese investors -Minister Handunnetti

The Sri Lanka-Japan Minerals Summit was held in Tokyo on October 14, with the objective of expanding relations and industrial cooperation between the two nations—further strengthening a decades-long friendship rooted in mutual trust and respect. The summit, presided over by the Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development, Sunil Handunnetti, was attended by representatives from the Japanese government, organizations such as JETRO, JOGMEC, and JICA, as well as a large number of prominent Japanese investors and business leaders.

Speaking at the event, the Minister recalled the historical commercial ties between the two countries, which began in 1962 with the first shipment of ilmenite to Japan. He emphasized that, thanks to the stable political environment, law and order, and transparency established in the country under the current government, Sri Lanka is in an ideal position to welcome Japanese investors. Furthermore, he noted that the country’s mineral sector could make a significant contribution toward achieving the export revenue target of US$ 36 billion by 2030

The government’s objective is to move beyond the export of raw mineral resources—such as graphite, mineral sands, quartz, and silica—by focusing on value addition and entering the global market with high-end products. The Minister pointed out that Japan, with its advanced technology and specialized expertise, serves as an excellent strategic partner in this endeavor, and that the new National Mineral Policy has established the necessary framework for responsible investment. In conclusion, he extended a warm invitation to Japanese investors to identify resources, introduce technology, and build businesses in collaboration with Sri Lankan partners. (MFJ)