INSEE Cement’s Ruhunu Cement Plant marks 50 years
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Pradeep Dissanayake
As a schoolboy, K. R. Piyasena De Silva remembers the Ruhunu Cement Plant in Galle, which celebrates its golden jubilee, during its construction stage. Now retired after working at the plant since 1971, he says, “I have been able to learn a lot in there, having served under many efficient managers; I consider it an experience of a lifetime.”
He recalled a time when cement was issued on permit, reflecting on the past in an era when life was easier and not as stressful as today.
From its beginnings as a state-owned enterprise, Ruhunu Cement Plant has today emerged as an important strategic player contributing to INSEE Cement’s role as the largest manufacturer of cement in the country, INSEE said in a media release.
The plant dates back to the time when Galle’s well known legislator, the late Dr. Wijayananda Dahanayake, saw his dream to have a large scale manufacturing plant set up in Galle. At its inception, the Ruhunu Cement Plant distributed cement only to state owned enterprises.
The plant was set up under the Factories Act of Parliament in 1954. Back then, clinker was brought to the plant in smaller quantities by train and the Ruhunu Cement Plant was the sole manufacturing plant in the south.
Ruhunu Plant Manager Pradeep Dissanayake said that the company is the manufacturer of premium brands lime “Sanstha” and “Mahaweli Marine” which have the highest market share and largest customer-base in the cement industry in the south.
The Ruhunu Cement Plant impacts on over 10,000 stakeholders both directly and indirectly, in and around where it does business. “We believe in supporting the local community and employees by ensuring an environmentally sound workplace for all with the majority of our employees are from in and around Galle. The company plays a vital role in enriching the livelihoods of the community by engaging in many community development activities, such as building of preschools, supporting irrigation, building of sanitation facilities and housing for the needy,” he noted.
Pradeep Nirosha, Production Manager, said “When I joined Ruhunu Cement Plant, it was my first job and it has helped me to harness my skills in advanced systems and processes and given me the appropriate exposure that I needed to enhance my career. Most importantly, the valuable exposure I have gained in addition to INSEE Cement’s multinational culture, offering the world’s best standards has made a big difference to my career opportunities.”
L.M. Ranjith, artisan at the Ruhunu Cement Plant, said he was lucky to be employed at the plant. “The job satisfaction is very high as the organisation utilises individuals’ ideas and always encourages innovation. The company is more sensitive in providing the most attractive facilities uplifting employee’s life standards,” he said.