KKS to commence operations shortly

Ramani Kangaraarachchi

The KKS cement factory, which remained closed since June 1990 will be re-activated in collaboration with an Indian conglomerates shortly and contractors will be provided with properly washed and sieved offshore sand.

This will solve the difficulties presently faced by the construction industry due to acute shortage of cement.

This was disclosed by Minister of Construction and Engineering Services Rajitha Senaratne said at the opening of Ex-Con 2008 exhibition at the BMICH on Friday.

He said once completed the work of this factory the total requirement of cement can be manufactured locally with the other cement factories already in operation in Sri Lanka.

This intervention will not only solve a major concern of the industry but also will save valuable foreign exchange to the country. He pointed out that considering the global situation of supply and demand, shortage in future cannot be completely ruled out due to the difficulties in importing cement.

Minister Senaratne said Sri Lanka's first ever international construction exhibition will be held during May 29 to 31 in 2009 with the specific objective of promoting Sri Lankan enterprises to showcase their capabilities to the international market.

The Chamber of Construction Industry has already sought the assistance of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Export Development Board to galvanise support of Sri Lankan Missions abroad in order to attract potential clients from the Gulf and South Asian regions.

A member of the chamber GTB Colombo Corporation Ltd was the main sponsor and over 100 stalls showcased different products at the exhibition.