The government is planning to resume operations at the Kankesanthurai (KKS) Cement Factory with private sector investments by next year, after the current renovation work is completed.

The State Resources and Investment Promotion Ministry seeks private sector investors for this venture. The Sri Lanka Cement Corporation has already commenced restoring the KKS Cement Factory while taking action to assess the quality of the stock of clinker available within its premises.

Cement Corporation Chairman Sisira Jinendra Paranagama said that the Corporation was currently looking at several options to resume cement production.

The factory ceased operations in 1990 due to the conflict.

The Cement Corporation had imported 36,260 metric tons of ordinary Portland cement in 2010 under the 'Kankesan' brand and sold at prices below market prices to supply quality cement at affordable prices.