Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath visited the PHIVIDEC Industrial Estate in Misamis Oriental on 25 July 2026 during his visit to Mindanao region in the Philippines. The visit was undertaken to reaffirm Sri Lanka's commitment to strengthening economic cooperation with the Philippines and to witness firsthand the progress of Sri Lankan investments in the country made by Haycarb. He was accompanied by Ambassador of Sri Lanka Dr. Chanaka Talpahewa, Attaché/Consular Officer of the Sri Lankan Embassy Chaturi Kalpana, Sri Lanka’s Honorary Consul in Mindanao William Chen.
The visit comes during the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and the Philippines, a year that has also witnessed the first-ever Sri Lankan investments in the Philippines.
Minister and the delegation were welcomed by Atty. Joseph Bernedo Joesph, Administrator of PHIVIDEC, Atty. Nadya Emanao-Filipe, the Mayor of Tagaloan, Ellen Kionisala of Board of Investment, senior government and local officials, staff of PHIVIDEC, representatives of Haycarb and Jaindi Exports and the delegation was briefed on the facilities and services offered by the PHIVIDEC Industrial Estate, one of the Philippines' premier industrial estates and the investments being done by the two Sri Lankan companies. Discussions also focused on opportunities to further expand investment, trade and commercial cooperation between the two countries.
Speaking during the visit, the Minister said: "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 currently under construction at the PHIVIDEC Industrial Estate. Although it had been planned to commence operations of the factory this year as a part of commemorating activities of the landmark year marking the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations, construction has experienced delays due to the prevailing global economic situation. Once completed, the facility will represent the first Sri Lankan manufacturing investment in the Philippines and an important milestone in bilateral economic relations.
The delegation also welcomed the progress made by Jaindi Exports, whose investment project is currently in its final stages of approval and is expected to commence construction this year and establish its operations within the PHIVIDEC Industrial Estate. The decision by a second Sri Lankan company to invest in the estate reflects growing confidence in the Philippines as an investment destination and demonstrates the attractiveness of PHIVIDEC as a location for international investors.
Together, the two Sri Lankan investment projects represent an estimated investment of over US$ 20 million in the first stages and are expected to generate more than 150 direct employment opportunities for the local community when operational, while also providing large number of indirect employment opportunities and contributing to technology transfer, exports and regional economic development.
The delegation commended PHIVIDEC for providing a modern and investor-friendly industrial environment and for its proactive support in attracting and facilitating foreign direct investment. With its strategic location, quality infrastructure and efficient investor services, the PHIVIDEC Industrial Estate offers an excellent platform for international companies seeking to establish operations in the southern Philippines.
Minister Herath thanked the Sri Lankan Ambassador Dr. Chanaka Talpahewa for his tireless efforts in facilitating Sri Lankan investments in the Philippines despite numerous challenges. Appreciation was also extended to the management and officials of PHIVIDEC, the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Board of Investments and all other government agencies whose cooperation and support were instrumental in bringing these investment projects to fruition.
The delegation noted that the successful establishment of Sri Lankan companies at the PHIVIDEC Industrial Estate demonstrates the strong potential for deeper economic cooperation between Sri Lanka and the Philippines. It is expected that these pioneering investments will encourage more Sri Lankan businesses to explore opportunities in the Philippines and further strengthen commercial links between the two countries.
The Minister and the Delegation accompanied by officials and company representatives visited the Haycarb site and also the proposed site for Jaindi Exports. Minister Herath and the members of the delegation planted tree saplings at the Haycarb premises to commemorate the visit.
As Sri Lanka and the Philippines celebrate 65 years of diplomatic relations, both countries remain committed to expanding cooperation across diplomacy, trade, investment, tourism, education and people-to-people exchanges. The establishment of Sri Lankan investments in the Philippines and the growing engagement between the two countries lay the foundation for an even stronger and more enduring partnership in the years ahead.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Philippines
30 July 2026
