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Minister of Enterprise Development, Industrial Policy and Investment Promotion and Constitutional Affairs, Prof. G. L. Peiris who was the Chief Guest at the ceremony to mark the re-opening of the factory is with Lanka Cement Ltd, Chairman Anil Koswatte. Minister of Rehabilitation, Resettlement and Refugees, Dr. Jayalath Jayawardane was also present.

Lanka Cement Ltd resumed production on a small scale from June 18 at their Kankesanthurai (KKS) plant.

The factory which is 96% owned by the Sri Lanka Cement Corporation and 4% from public funds commenced operations in 1983. It was built at a cost of Rs. 1 million with German technology on the initiative of the then Minister of Industries, Cyril Mathew.

Due to the North East conflict the factory which provided direct and indirect employment to nearly 1,500 people and accounted for nearly 40% of the market share was shut down in 1996.

Chairman Lanka Cement Ltd, Anil Koswatte said that initially the company will be only packing cement and would go in for mass production in the near future. "The main advantage in this factory is that 94% of the raw material could be found in the area." He said that some of the equipment in the plant can be still used and added that more funding is needed before it can go into full production.

"We are expecting loans from the Asian Development Bank, European Union and other foreign missions to bring the factory back to its full capacity," he said.

The first batch of production was donated to four places of worship in the area. 

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