Modernized dolomite factory

To boost production:

Ramani KANGARAARACHCHI

The modernized dolomite factory in Matale will produce one-third of the country's dolomite requirements in six months, General Manager, Sri Lanka State Engineering Corporation Shiran Dias told Daily News Business. He said that the Government has invested Rs 10 million to install a new crusher and pulverizer after handing over the site to the State Engineering Corporation. This has helped to secure new orders and transform it into a profit making State entity.

He said that Australia has already made inquiries to import dolomite from Sri Lanka in the near future.

Before modernization the factory manufactured only ten percent of the country's requirements.

However, another Rs 50 million would be needed to fully modernize the factory and produce the country's total requirements.

Dias said that with the modernization, thirty new employment opportunities have also been created benefiting around 200 people.

Another advantage is that the dolomite manufactured here can be used to produce lime avoiding the environmental destruction taking place by using the coral reef around the island, he said.

Commercial operations of the modernized dolomite factory in Matale were resumed on September 7 to make a contribution to the Api Wawamu Rata Nagamu concept.