InRO News
The US–Sri Lanka Graphite Summit 2026
May 2026
The US–Sri Lanka Graphite Summit 2026 was an international research and industry event hosted at the University of Peradeniya, mainly at the Postgraduate Institute of Science (PGIS), on 27–28 April 2026, with related workshops and field activities extending through early May.
The summit brought together academics, geologists, mining experts, policymakers, investors, and industry representatives from both the United States and Sri Lanka to discuss the future of graphite research, sustainable mining, and advanced material technologies.
The summit focused on advancing research on natural vein graphite, one of Sri Lanka’s most valuable mineral resources, while strengthening scientific collaboration between the United States and Sri Lanka in graphite mining, processing, and clean-energy technologies.
Discussions also highlighted the importance of graphite in lithium-ion batteries, fuel cells, and other emerging energy technologies, as well as the need to promote value addition and sustainable mining practices instead of exporting raw graphite materials.
Professor Kusali Gamage from Austin Community College, USA, initiated the concept after winning an NSF-USA grant as a Fulbright Specialist. The event was coordinated by Dr. Patrick McNamara, Executive Director of the US–Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission, and Prof. S.P.K. Malaviarachchi, Director, International Relations Office, University of Peradeniya.
The inauguration ceremony held on 27th April 2026 at the Conference Hall of the PGIS was graced by Prof. Terrence Madhujith, Vice Chancellor, University of Peradeniya; Prof. Ranjith Pallegama, Deputy Vice Chancellor; Prof. Sanath Rajapakse, Dean, Faculty of Science; and Prof. Nanda Balasooriya, Director, PGIS.
Eminent scientists, researchers, industry stakeholders, and both undergraduate and postgraduate students from Sri Lanka and the United States actively participated in the summit, sharing their expertise and insights related to the graphite industry and future collaborative opportunities.
The National Science Foundation of Sri Lanka also collaborated in organizing and supporting the event.
