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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider Trade & Industry devider Sri Lanka's foreign minister reaffirms investment cooperation during visit to PHIVIDEC Industrial Estate

Sri Lanka's foreign minister reaffirms investment cooperation during visit to PHIVIDEC Industrial Estate

Published Aug 11, 2026 02:07 pm
Sri Lanka Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath delivers his message during his visit to Misamis Oriental. (Photo courtesy of Sri Lanka Embassy, Philippines)
Sri Lanka Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath delivers his message during his visit to Misamis Oriental. (Photo courtesy of Sri Lanka Embassy, Philippines)
Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath of Sri Lanka visited the PHIVIDEC Industrial Estate in Misamis Oriental on 30 July 2026 as part of his official trip to the Mindanao region. The visit underscored Sri Lanka’s commitment to strengthening economic cooperation with the Philippines and provided the Minister an opportunity to witness firsthand the progress of Sri Lankan investments in the country, particularly those of Haycarb PLC.
Minister Herath was accompanied by Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the Philippines, Dr. Chanaka Talpahewa; Embassy Attaché/Consular Officer Chaturi Kalpana; and Honorary Consul for Mindanao William Chen. The visit coincided with the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and the Philippines—a milestone year that has also marked the first-ever Sri Lankan investments in the Philippines.
The delegation was warmly received by Atty. Joseph Bernedo, Administrator of PHIVIDEC; Hon. Atty. Nadya Emano-Maniwan, Mayor of Tagoloan; Ms. Ellen Kionisala of the Board of Investments; senior government and local officials; PHIVIDEC staff; and representatives of Haycarb and Jaindi Exports. They were briefed on the estate’s facilities and services, as well as the ongoing investments of the two Sri Lankan companies. Discussions highlighted opportunities to further expand trade, investment, and commercial cooperation between the two nations.
Speaking during the visit, Minister Herath emphasized:
“The Government of Sri Lanka attaches great importance to supporting and protecting the investments made by Sri Lankan companies overseas. This visit has given us the opportunity to see firsthand the excellent facilities and investor-friendly environment at the PHIVIDEC Industrial Estate. We hope this will encourage many more Sri Lankan businesses to explore investment opportunities in the Philippines and contribute to even stronger economic ties between our two countries.”
The delegation welcomed the progress of Haycarb PLC, whose activated carbon manufacturing facility is under construction at PHIVIDEC. While the factory’s inauguration was initially hoped to coincide with the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations, construction has been delayed due to global economic challenges. Once completed, the facility will represent the first Sri Lankan manufacturing investment in the Philippines and a significant milestone in bilateral economic relations.
Jaindi Exports was also commended for its forthcoming project, now in the final stages of approval and expected to begin construction soon. The decision of a second Sri Lankan company to invest in PHIVIDEC reflects growing confidence in the Philippines as an investment destination and demonstrates the estate’s appeal to international investors.
Together, the two projects represent an estimated initial investment of approximately US$20 million and are expected to generate over 150 direct jobs for the local community, alongside numerous indirect employment opportunities. They will also contribute to technology transfer, exports, and regional economic development.
The delegation praised PHIVIDEC for its modern, investor-friendly environment and proactive support in facilitating foreign direct investment. With its strategic location, quality infrastructure, and efficient services, PHIVIDEC offers an excellent platform for international companies seeking to establish operations in the southern Philippines.
Minister Herath expressed gratitude to Ambassador Talpahewa for his tireless efforts in advancing Sri Lankan investments in the Philippines, and extended appreciation to PHIVIDEC management, the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Board of Investments, and other government agencies whose cooperation has been instrumental in bringing these projects to fruition.
The delegation visited the Haycarb site and the proposed site for Jaindi Exports, and to commemorate the occasion, Minister Herath and his team planted tree saplings on the Haycarb premises.
Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, together with Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the Philippines Dr. Chanaka Talpahewa and Embassy Attaché/Consular Officer Chaturi Kalpana, visited the PHIVIDEC Industrial Estate in Misamis Oriental.
Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, together with Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the Philippines Dr. Chanaka Talpahewa and Embassy Attaché/Consular Officer Chaturi Kalpana, visited the PHIVIDEC Industrial Estate in Misamis Oriental.
As Sri Lanka and the Philippines celebrate 65 years of diplomatic relations, both countries reaffirm their commitment to expanding cooperation across diplomacy, trade, investment, tourism, education, and people-to-people exchanges. The establishment of Sri Lankan investments in the Philippines marks a new chapter in bilateral relations and lays the foundation for an even stronger partnership in the years ahead.

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