Asahi Dyes and Chemicals Opens $20.4M Manufacturing Plant in Biyagama, Sri Lanka, Creating 281 Jobs

 

Source: Daily FT, newswire

Asahi Dyes and Chemicals SL (Pvt) Ltd. has inaugurated a US$20.4 million advanced manufacturing facility at the Biyagama Export Processing Zone (BEPZ), a joint venture between Japan's Asahi Dyes and Chemicals Co., Ltd. and Sri Lanka's Asons Ltd. that is expected to create 281 direct jobsand generate a foreign direct investment of US$20.4 million; speaking at the opening, BOI Chairman Duminda Hulangamuwa noted that while export diversification into electronics and other sectors is important, the garment industry remains Sri Lanka's most reliable export earner, and the plant — which will produce textile dyes, printing chemicals and finishing chemicals for the textile and apparel industry, supplying export markets across Asia and Southeast Asia — is set to transfer Japanese manufacturing technology and quality standards while also connecting the operation with Italian technology firm Tonello, a specialist in garment washing, dyeing and finishing solutions used in more than 10,000 machines worldwide.

Unlocking Global Potential in the Sri Lankan Vein Graphite Industry: EDB and Bogala Graphite Discuss Growth and Overcoming Barriers

In a strategic move to unlock the immense potential of the local mining sector, officials from Sri Lanka’s Export Development Board (EDB) recently held discussions with the management of Bogala Graphite. The meeting focused on identifying the current barriers within the trade and charting a sustainable way forward for the industry on the global stage.

Aligning with National Export Goals This initiative is a crucial step under the National Export Development Plan (NEDP), which officially recognizes minerals and mineral-based products as a primary thrust sector for Sri Lanka’s economic growth. According to the EDB, leveraging the country's unique mineral resources offers a golden opportunity to diversify export portfolios, attract foreign investment, and significantly increase foreign exchange earnings through localized value addition.

A Global Monopoly on Purity Sri Lanka holds a highly exclusive position in the global market—it is currently the only country in the world that commercially extracts natural crystalline vein graphite. Renowned for its exceptionally high carbon purity and flawless crystalline structure, this unique mineral is highly coveted across advanced global industries.

Today, Sri Lankan vein graphite is heavily sought after for manufacturing high-end lubricants, carbon brushes, brake pads, refractories, and cutting-edge graphene technologies.

The Path Forward: Collaboration and Innovation To fully capitalize on this natural resource, the EDB emphasized the need for an integrated approach. Strengthening collaborations between government agencies, private mining companies, academic research institutions, and international technology partners is essential.

Furthermore, the EDB highlighted that direct investments into research and development (R&D), modern processing technologies, and aggressive international marketing campaigns will be the key drivers in elevating the global competitiveness of Sri Lanka's prized graphite.

6th ICIET 2026 International Conference Organized by Faculty of Technology - University of Sri Jayewardenepura

 6th ICIET 2026 International Conference

Organized by Faculty of Technology - University of Sri Jayewardenepura

Theme: “Applied Technologies for Sustainable Industrial Transformation”

Abstract/ Full Paper Submission Deadline: 15th August 2026

For registration, paper guidelines and submission, visit: https://iciet.sjp.ac.lk/call-for-abstracts/