The USD 110 million state-of-the-art manufacturing facility of Lanwa Sanstha Cement Corporation (Pvt) Ltd was opened yesterday, in Mirijjawila, Hambantota by President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and with the participation of a host of dignitaries including Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and other senior ministers.
The facility is situated across 63 acres and is a BOI venture that is expected to produce 2.8 mn MT of cement per annum in Phase 1. A bag will be sold at Rs. 1,500 from next week through their network.
The company hopes to invest a further USD 60 million for the completion of the second phase which will be able to supply 60 % of total local demand, an official from Lanwa said. The manufacturing plant incorporates many cutting-edge features such as the fully automated stacker reclaimer yard and two bridge type ship unloaders for efficient, waste-free and sustainable handling of cargo.
The investors are hopeful that this facility will be a major boost to the economy in terms of foreign revenue while empowering the local construction sector by eliminating the shortage of cement triggered by the import ban put it place to mitigate rupee depreciation. 
In a statement, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa underscored: “Construction is a key contributor to the local GDP. Our construction sector has a competitive edge in the global context given its focus on technology, coupled with the emphasis on ethics and sustainability. We are certain this endeavour would serve to boost investor confidence which is a timely necessity.”
The President also stated that Hambantota EPZ was poised to attract investments of similar scale, especially pertaining to high technology products.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa stated that the Government was committed in empowering local entrepreneurship to propel the economy forward. He also asserted that he was confident Lanwa Sanstha Cement Corporation (Pvt) Ltd would uphold the rich legacy of the parent company, Ceylon Steel Corporation Limited, by providing quality products to the local and global markets through innovation.
Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa noted that this facility would be a much-needed respite for the construction fraternity which was inconvenienced by the temporary ban on imports. Chairman of Lanwa Sanstha Cement Corporation (Pvt) Ltd. Nandana Lokuwithana said he was confident the facility would offer a lifeline for the local construction industry at a time when it’s most needed: “We have expedited this project to ensure the local industry is not further crippled by the import limitations. What we offer is not just a solution to the shortage but a product that comes with a guarantee of quality, safety and durability.”
“This facility is the first and only of its kind not just locally but regionally as well with the latest German technology coupled with unparalleled infrastructure, such as the 2.4km conveyor belt that runs between our facility and the Hambantota Port, to ensure every process is optimized for a superior output.”
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