Pathfinder Foundation lays out a practical vision for Sri Lanka's economic future

Two groundbreaking reports launched by the Pathfinder Foundation in collaboration with the Australian Trade and Investment Commission have laid out a practical vision for Sri Lanka's economic future, pinpointing the mineral and clean energy sectors as twin engines for sustainable growth and investment.

- BY SANATH NANAYAKKARE

The reports, unveiled on December 17 in Colombo, present actionable roadmaps for project developers and technology providers, positioning Sri Lanka as an emerging frontier in the global clean energy and critical minerals supply chain.

Key content from the minerals report:

Sri Lanka's largely under-utilised mineral sector holds significant potential, with resources increasingly vital to global industries. The country boasts high-purity graphite, rare earth elements (REEs), mineral sands, and phosphate - all critical for electric vehicles, renewable energy technologies, and high-tech manufacturing.

While current mineral exports are around USD 389 million, the International Trade Centre estimates a potential of USD 778 million, with primary data suggesting the true figure could reach USD 2 billion. To capture this value, the report stresses moving beyond exporting raw materials to domestic refining and beneficiation.