Graphite mining in Sri Lanka

Graphite mining in Sri Lanka has been underway since the mid 1800s, with the discovery of vein graphite (called plumbago). The mining reached its peak during the early twentieth century, between the world war I and world war II, when 35,000 metric tons of natural graphite was exported per year and over 6000 shallow workings, pits and small scale mines were in operation. Mines were mostly located in north western and south western parts of the island, with working pits located in Aluketiya, Meegahatenna, Matugama and Agalawatta. The Geological Survey Department, started in 1903, maintained records of all graphite pits, shallow workings and mines under the Inspector of Mines. However these records were lost when the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau was established in 1992. The miners were Singhalese peasants, using primitive methods for driving shafts, adding to local folklore. Through plumbago mining, entrepreneurs such as Don Charles Gemoris Attygalle, Don Spater Senanayake and Duenuge Disan Pedris made their fortunes leading to many of the larger mines coming under the control several business families such as the Senanayakes, Kotalawelas and De Mels. These families dominated the pre-independence and post-independence political landscape in Ceylon, with membership in the United National Party. Many of these politicians (Sir John Kotelawala in Dodangaslanda, Dudley Senanayake in Dedigama) established their constituencies in these mining areas, where they traditionally had influence over the villages employed in their mines. In 1971, the government of Sirima Bandaranaike nationalized the graphite mining industry, taking over all the large mines and established the Graphite Corporation in 1972 to manage the mining operations at Bogala, Kahatagaha and Kolongaha. It had a yearly export of 10,000 metric tons, before mismanagement and corruption forced all mines to close down.

Major mines

• Kahatagaha Graphite Mine
• Bogala Graphite Mine
• Kolongaha Graphite Mine