Colombo, June 15th 2017 – INSEE Cement’s Ruhunu Cement Plant in Galle celebrates half a century of enriching the construction sector in Sri Lanka. From a history that commenced 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.
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.
Ruhunu Cement 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 Southern Province in Sri Lanka. Today, owned by INSEE Cement, also known as, Siam City Cement (Lanka) Limited, Ruhunu Cement Plant aims at achieving zero harm in operations for employees, contractors, suppliers, customers, visitors and the local community, and is compliant with environmental standards in the cement industry.
Pradeep Dissanayake, Plant Manager elaborated, “We at Ruhunu Cement Plant are proud to be a part of the INSEE Cement family. We are the manufacturers of our premium brands “Sanstha” and “Mahaweli Marine” that have the highest market share and largest customer-base in the Cement industry in the Southern Province”. He further explained, “We are proud to be the premier cement supplier for the country’s major development projects, such as, the building of highways, ports, airports, dams, bridges, and high-rise buildings. Our business at Ruhunu Cement Plant impacts over 10,000 stakeholders both directly and indirectly, in and around where we do business. Quality of our cement is a high priority, ensuring strict compliance with the local and British Standards; quality control and quality assurance is instrumental in our cement manufacturing process. We believe in supporting the local community and employees by ensuring an environmentally sound workplace for all. Majority of the Ruhunu Cement Plant employees are from in and around Galle. The Company is pleased to play 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.”
INSEE Cement strongly believes in developing the potential of its people to the maximum and this is evident by what the employees of Ruhunu Cement Plant had to say.
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.” Apart from developing people, Ruhunu Cement Plant has become an inspiration for people in the south who take pride in the facility that boosts the country’s economy.
The Artisan at Ruhunu Cement Plant, L. M. Ranjith, said “I am lucky to be employed at the Plant. The job satisfaction is very high as the organization utilizes individuals’ idea generation and always encourages innovation. The company is sensitive to the needs of employees and provides attractive facilities uplifting life standards. The exposure on well formulated, environment friendly working culture adds value to me and my family to be far ahead with my other companions in the community and makes me feel I’m well secured in life”.
Nalin Senakathe Superintendent of Ruhunu Cement Plant, believes that concepts introduced at Ruhunu Cement Plant such as driving innovation, enhanced employee benefits, technological improvements and a greater focus on improving systems, has helped the Company reach higher goals. He is of the opinion that working with cement under safe conditions does not cause any harmful effects for the workers who are engaged with it one to one. While being thankful to the Management for giving priority to worker safety and wellbeing, he believes that Ruhunu Cement Plant has played a major role in harnessing the economy of Galle in the Southern Province. “I would like to see INSEE Cement take Ruhunu Cement Plant forward on a course of success in the next 50 years”, he added.
Not only the currently working staff, but also the retired staff had their chance of reminiscing in the proud heritage of Ruhunu Cement Plant.
K. R. Piyasena De Silva started working at the Ruhunu Cement Plant in 1971. Currently retired De Silva, remembers the factory coming up as a schoolboy. “I have been able to learn a lot in here, having served under many efficient managers; I consider it an experience of a lifetime.” He further added that the worker welfare measures have been enhanced considerably over the years. “Facilities such as meals and educational support for the children of employees, have added tremendous value to the welfare of the employees”, he said. He recalls a time when cement was issued on permit. The Ruhunu Cement Plant and all of the employees who have served for a long time have formed long lasting relationships within the Company, he reiterates.
Achieving many vital milestones and nostalgic experiences, Ruhunu Cement Plant indeed has a historic presence in the hearts and minds of its employees – sharing value within the INSEE family in building brighter futures for the nation.