Graphite has a limited market, we have to capture that market

By Yohan Perera  

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 market could be a substantial source of income for the nation.  

•  Graphene is a material that is extracted from graphite and is made up of pure carbon, one of the most important elements in nature. It’s calculated that this material is 200 times more resistant than steel and five times lighter than aluminium. While graphite sells for a relatively modest $2.50 per kilogramme  globally, graphene commands a much higher market price, reaching up to $10,000.   

He is referring to graphene, a material extracted from graphite. Graphene, composed of pure carbon