(LANKAPUVATH | COLOMBO) – Dr. Ramesh Pathirana, Minister of Plantation and Industries, recently joined an observation tour of Paranthan Chemical Factory premises in Kilinochchi district of the Northern Province.
This Paranthan factory, which was started as the government chemical factory in the year 1954, produced liquid chlorine, hydrochloric acid, zinc chloride and ferric chloride using salt as the main raw material. Due to the war situation, the production activities have been halted since 1985 and currently the company is importing and distributing chlorine, caustic soda and hydrochloric acid required for local industries. Apart from that, Paranthan Chemical Company manufactures bleaching liquid, caustic liquid through a value addition process and is engaged in the process of processing emergency protective equipment kits for chlorine consumers.
Speaking during the observation tour, the minister stated that since it is the government’s policy to increase exports and reduce imports and increase import substitution products, the feasibility study, planning, business development and procurement work currently being done to restart Paranthan Chemical Plant will be expedited and the economic benefits of that industry will be achieved for the country as soon as possible. . The Minister further stated that Paranthan Chemical Industries will be started immediately.
At present, the Paranthan Chemical Factory is in the process of starting the production of caustic soda, chlorine, and the production of hydrochloric acid and poly aluminum chloride. Also, feasibility studies related to the production of household chemicals such as toilet cleaners, hand washing liquids, car washes, car washes, urea fertilizer production, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, sodium carbonate production and planning and business development work are being carried out. The procurement process will be started soon.
The Paranthan chemical plant premises is 202 acres and in addition to the 25 acres used for the factory premises, the remaining space will be set up as a separate industrial park for the chemical factories themselves. Within that chemical industrial park, there will be an opportunity to remove and re-install the factories that have environmental and social problems in other parts of the country and to start new factories.
Sudesh Nandasiri, Chairman of Paranthan Chemicals Company, Ministry officials and many others joined this event.
