AKD, Harsha de Silva fly over Sri Lanka’s Graphene Dreams

1 November 2023 07:06 am Views - 3923

In a recent development regarding National People's Power (NPP) Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake's statement about producing graphite for exportation, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Harsha de Silva has provided a clarifying perspective amid the light-hearted discussions on social media.

Harsha de Silva suggested that Anura Kumara Dissanayake might have been referring to graphene, a material extracted from graphite. Graphene, composed of pure carbon, is renowned for its remarkable properties, including toughness, flexibility, lightness, and high resistance. It's worth noting that carbon, a fundamental element, is commonly found in everyday objects, such as pencil leads.

Dr. De Silva shared his perspective on the potential of exporting graphene in a Facebook post, emphasizing the immense possibilities for enhancing Sri Lanka's export earnings. He further highlighted the significant disparity in market prices between graphite and graphene. While graphite sells for a relatively modest $2.50 per kilogram globally, graphene commands a much higher market price, reaching up to $10,000.

Dr. De Silva firmly believes that expanding graphene production could be a viable solution for Sri Lanka's financial challenges. He even likened Sri Lanka's graphene resources to a "goldmine," suggesting that tapping into the graphene mark could be a substantial source of income for the nation. (Yohan Perera)