Pathfinder Foundation charts roadmap for Sri Lanka's critical minerals sector

The Pathfinder Foundation (PF) convened its Seventh Diplomatic Dialogue, themed “Unlocking Sri Lanka’s Mineral Sector — Opportunities for Sustainable Investment and Strategic Partnerships,” bringing together Colombo-based diplomats, government officials, academics, think tank representatives, and business leaders.

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Participants at Seventh Diplomatic Dialogue, “Unlocking Sri Lanka’s Mineral Sector – Opportunities for Sustainable Investment and Strategic Partnerships

The dialogue forms part of PF’s ongoing effort to position Sri Lanka as a credible participant in global critical mineral supply chains by linking the country’s mineral endowment to policy reform, investment readiness, and value-added industrial development. The discussions were informed by the Foundation’s report Mining Potential: A Global Opportunity, launched in December 2025 in collaboration with AUSTRADE.

Ahead of the dialogue, the Pathfinder Foundation convened a consultative meeting on 22 January with representatives of diplomatic missions from Australia, India, Japan, and the United States, as well as industry and academic experts. Participants agreed to establish an International Study Group on Critical Minerals, to be facilitated by the PF. Nimal Cooke will serve as the group's convenor.

The Study Group will serve as a platform for sustained policy dialogue and cooperation, focusing on supporting Sri Lanka’s critical minerals sector, identifying pilot projects, and facilitating foreign direct investment aligned with trusted global supply chains. Pathfinder Foundation will advance this agenda through targeted research, structured consultations, and continued engagement with international partners.