Business
Sri Lanka could benefit from global trend towards EV use – IPS study
By Ifham Nizam
The latest publication of the Institute of Policy Studies of Sri Lanka (IPS), `Trade Wars in Electric Vehicle Supply Chains: A Win for Sri Lanka’s Graphite Industry?” indicates that Sri Lanka is poised to benefit from the global trend towards electric vehicles (EVs). Sri Lanka stands to gain by leveraging its top-quality vein graphite, crucial for EV battery manufacturing, the publication says.
Sri Lanka, renowned for its high-quality vein graphite, is poised to benefit from the increasing demand for “non-China origin” graphite, driven by the global push towards electro mobility and the US Green Industrial Policy.
The IPS publication brought out by IPS researchers, Dr Asanka Wijesinghe, Malisha Weerasinghe and Chaya Dissanayake, explores the potential for Sri Lanka to join the supply chain for Electric Vehicle (EV) battery manufacturing.
Speaking at a seminar recently at the IPS, Colombo 7, IPS Research Fellow, Dr. Asanka Wijesinghe said that Sri Lanka’s commitment to sustainability and quality standards places it strategically in the non-China graphite export market, boosted by US industrial policies favouring domestic assembly and non-China sources.
Wijesinghe said that their new study highlights Sri Lanka’s opportunity to become part of the EV battery supply chain.
The study suggests that Sri Lanka could focus on upstream activities, including exporting battery-grade graphite and anodes, and strengthen Research & Development to enhance its strategic position in the non-China graphite export sector, thus attracting investment and ensuring sustainability.
Responding to The Island Financial Review on the possibility of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the US, Wijesinghe believes that a comprehensive FTA may be challenging but a limited one, in the style of the Japan-US Mineral Free Trade Agreement, will be beneficial to Sri Lanka.
“Sri Lanka will have to navigate the complex geopolitical landscape in finalizing such an agreement. On the upside, such an agreement helps value addition to Sri Lanka’s graphite within the country and via export to the US under the subsidy program proposed by the US, he added.
Dr. Wijesinghe also said that US’s strategic move to adopt a proactive green industrial policy, driven by the imperative to achieve net-zero emissions and national security concerns, presents fresh opportunities for graphite producers outside China. The recently enforced Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) plays a pivotal role in reshaping the global EV battery supply value chain by excluding China and promoting domestic assembly and manufacturing of EV components.
Key findings from the IPS study reveal that as a result of these developments, the demand for graphite, a critical component of Lithium Ion Batteries (LIBs), is set to surge. “Non-China” graphite exporters, including Madagascar, Mozambique and particularly Sri Lanka, are positioned to benefit from the re-alignment of the supply chain.
The study also focuses that the Partial Equilibrium modeling results indicate that Sri Lanka holds a strategic advantage in the emerging market. Sri Lanka’s vein graphite, known for its purity, flawless crystal structure, and strong electrical conductivity, stands out as an ideal choice for the growing global demand.
Wijesinghe also stressed that despite facing challenges in terms of cost competitiveness, Sri Lanka’s focus on sustainable practices, minimal environmental impact, and compliance with acceptable labour standards positions it as a key player in the evolving landscape of “non-China” graphite exports.
“Additionally, Sri Lanka possesses a comparative advantage in graphite production and benefits from an established mining sector with an existing consumer base. Increased demand will party help Sri Lanka by increasing the world market price of graphite in the future. However, the productivity of the mining sector needs to be increased to lower the unit cost, to benefit from the emerging global opportunities,” he added.
Gigalingua Lanka, a premier German language institute, officially launched in Colombo with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by distinguished guests, including Dr. Felix Neumann, German ambassador to Sri Lanka. This marks a significant milestone for Sri Lankan professionals, especially nurses, looking to expand their careers in Germany’s thriving healthcare sector.
In collaboration with its strategic partner Global Care Solutions (Pvt) Ltd – a renowned company in the foreign recruitment industry – Gigalingua Lanka offers a unique pathway for Sri Lankan nurses and apprentices to master the German language and pursue rewarding career opportunities in Germany.
Dr. Felix Neumann, the Chief Guest at the event, expressed his support for the initiative, emphasizing the importance of language education as a bridge to global career prospects. In his speech, Dr. Neumann noted, “German language is not only a means of communication, it is a gateway to global career opportunities.” He commended Gigalingua Lanka for providing valuable opportunities for Sri Lankans and addressing the critical demand for skilled workers, especially in the nursing sector in Germany.
Gigalingua Lanka is the first private institute in Sri Lanka to offer comprehensive German language training up to the B2 level, and conduct TELC exam. The institution also provides language training for apprentices, allowing them to undertake the Apprenticeship Program and contribute to the growing labor market in Germany. The collaboration between Gigalingua Lanka and Global Care Solutions is designed to meet Germany’s growing need for skilled workers, particularly in the healthcare sector.
The event was attended by a number of prominent figures, including Dr. Felix Neumann , Arthur Senanayake (chairman of IWS Holdings), Eran Wickramaratne – former MP, Chandra Schaffter – ( Founder of Janashakthi Insurance ), Dhammika Attygalle (Director Upali Group of Companies and President Automobile Association of Ceylon) Former Wing Commander Buwaneka Abeysuriya (Ex- chairman Janatha Estates Development Board).
Chairman of Global Care Solutions, Thomas Michael Kriwat, who is also chairman of the Mercmarine Group of Companies in Germany, highlighted the significance of the new training center. He said, “We are bringing world-class German occupational language training to Colombo, offering a structured, career-focused pathway for Sri Lankan professionals. By introducing TELC (The European Language Certificates) as an officially certified German language test authority, we are increasing accessibility for students seeking internationally recognized qualifications.”
At the thanksgiving speech, Dr. Rajan Sara, Managing Director of Global Care Solutions and Director of Gigalingua Lanka, outlined the critical need for foreign nurses in Germany. “Germany is facing a significant shortage of nurses, estimated to need an additional 150,000 by 2025. This is exacerbated by an aging population and increasing healthcare demands. Over 47,000 vacancies in the healthcare sector remain unfilled, making it an ideal time for Sri Lankan nurses to seize this opportunity,” Dr. Sara explained. (Gigalingua Lanka)
In keeping with its vision to consistently evolve and address accelerated business growth needs, Brown & Company PLC recently unveiled its new state-of-the-art manufacturing and warehouse facility in Katunayake. Strategically located within minutes of the Bandaranaike International Airport and the nation’s rapidly evolving highway network, the space is positioned to significantly enhance Browns’ logistical capabilities. The hub will enable seamless access to key markets across the island, further solidifying the Company’s principal role in a cross-section of industries.
The inaugural event of the Browns Group Industrial Park was attended by Ishara Nanayakkara, Chairman, Brown & Company PLC and Deputy Chairman, LOLC Holdings PLC and Kapila Jayawardene, Group Managing Director/CEO, LOLC Holdings PLC along with key officials from the Browns and LOLC Group.
Dialog Axiata PLC, Sri Lanka’s #1 connectivity provider, has successfully launched the highly anticipated vivo V50 smartphone, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to bringing 5G technology and pro-level mobile experiences to Sri Lankan customers, with the first customer handover taking place on 27th March 2025.
The vivo V50, designed in collaboration with ZEISS, combines advanced features such as a 50MP ZEISS OIS Main Camera, a powerful Snapdragon® 7 Gen 3 processor, and a stunning 6,000mAh battery, all housed in a sleek, ultra-slim design. Available at an attractive price, the vivo V50 delivers unmatched mobile performance for work, play, and creativity, offering features such as AI-enhanced photography, 4K video recording, and lightning-fast 90W FlashCharge technology. The vivo V50 also boasts a 41° golden curvature for a comfortable grip and a premium, cinematic mobile experience.
Dialog’s partnership with vivo underscores its commitment to bringing the latest in 5G innovation to Sri Lanka, providing customers with access to next-generation mobile experiences and empowering them to capture, create, and connect like never before. The vivo V50 is now available for purchase at Dialog’s Experience Centers and via https://www.dialog.lk/phones/vivo-v50-5g-12gb.
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