Valachchenai Paper Factory to make country self-sufficient in paper

Ridma DISSANAYAKE

The Valachchenai Paper Factory has commenced operations and has produced over 130 metric tonnes of paper during the last month, State Resources and Enterprise Development Minister Dayasritha Tissera said.

In the year 2009, this factory had produced only 30 metric tonnes of paper per month. At present, it has increased by three to four times. Presently the salaries of its employees and electricity bills are being paid from its own income.

Currently, ninety five percent out of the total national paper requirement, is met by imported paper and the State Resources Ministry plans to produce more paper, with the aim of making a contribution to the country's development, the minister explained.

According to Minister Tissera, the ministry aims to increase the monthly paper production of the Valachchenai Paper Factory up to 200 metric tonnes and hopes to increase it up to 500 metric tonnes within one year. The ministry aims to produce more paper stocks which would be sufficient to cover the paper requirements of the country.

The management of the present government and the efficiency of the public in the Northern and Eastern provinces have been the cause for the fast development of the Valachchenai Paper Factory, the minister said.

The National Paper Corporation's Competent Authority Mangala Senarath, said that they will provide more benefits and facilities to the employees of the Valachchenai Paper Factory when it achieves its production goals.