According to a statement published by Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Defence and Urban Development, the Sri Lanka Cement Corporation plans to invest Rs.1500 million in upgrading the Kankesan cement plant in Kankesanthurai.
The plant has a capacity of 760 00 tpa but operations ceased in 1990 as a result of political instability and security concerns in the north of the country. Following the revamp work, the Kankesan plant will be able to meet around 10% of domestic cement demand. The Corporation predicts that it will recover the investment in the plant 15 years from the start of operations, with a net profit contribution of 8%.
Cement consumption has been rising in the country as a result of increased construction work. At present, Sri Lanka imports over 70% of its cement requirements.
Edited from various sources by Louise Fordham