Environment Minister Mahinda Amaraweera has requested the Sri Lanka Institute of Nano Technology (SLINTEC) to provide nano technology assistance to produce eco-friendly alternatives to polythene and plastic products.
This request comes in the face of the forthcoming ban on multi-use polythene and plastic products. The Minister had the discussion with the SLINTEC officials on January 8.
Among the issues raised were the fact that most of the minerals currently exported from our country are exported as raw materials. However, the Minister pointed out that if they are exported as value added products or as finished goods, the country can earn a higher income.
The Minister also inspected the largest factory in Asia capable of converting graphite to graphite oxide or graphene currently available in our country. Sri Lanka has so far only exported graphite. But graphite can be converted into finished goods or value added products and a larger income can be earned by exporting it.
The officials pointed out that while a kilogram of graphite raw material is exported for around US$ 10, a kilogram can be sold at a price a hundred times higher when it is exported in the form of graphite oxide or graphene. Due to this, a large number of the mineral resources that we currently export from the country are being exported to foreign markets for a low price, so the country has not received the revenue it deserves, the Minister said.
