Talks to recommence operations at the KKS factory, Sri Lanka

Working Director of Sri Lanka Cement Corporation (SLCC) and Lanka Cement Plc, Reyyaz Salley, has been in talks with the Chief Minister of the Northern Provincial Council, Wigenswaran, regarding recommencing operations at the Kankasanthurai (KKS) cement factory.

SLCC is currently in the process of compiling a proposal to restart the factory which is 90 per cent complete. Once the country's general election is over, the completed proposal will be submitted to the President to request permission to recommence operations.

Speaking to The Sunday Leader (Sri Lanka), Mr Salley said discussions with Mr Wigenswaran included alleviating environmental concerns that had been brought forward by certain parties. According to Sally, some LKR1500m will need to be invested to restart operations with modern equipment which will mitigate the environmental impact of the plant.

The KKS works originally commenced production in the 1950s but closed in 1990 with a production capacity of 760,000tpa. Located near substantial limestone deposits, the plant has been the subject of repeated proposals for revival over the years, most recently by its majority-shareholder, Sri Lanka Cement Corporation.

Salley added that the Chief Minister showed interest in visiting the factory and the SLCC promised to make necessary arrangement for his visit to see the factory in the near future. He also underlined that the factory would bring employment to the northern region.