INSEE Cement, Sri Lanka’s leading cement manufacturer and supplier, and the only fully integrated cement plant in the country, has announced the recommencement of limestone rail transportation from its Aruwakkalu quarry to the Puttalam plant. This follows the successful restoration of a railway section damaged by the recent Ditwah Cyclone. Limestone transportation via rail is set to officially resume on February 18, 2026, marking a significant milestone in the restoration of logistics operations following disruption caused by the cyclone.
INSEE Cement is renowned for marketing the country’s leading cement brands, INSEE Sanstha Cement and Mahaweli Marine Plus Cement, which play a critical role in supporting Sri Lanka’s construction and infrastructure development.
The limestone quarry in Aruwakkalu, which is approximately 40 km from the Puttalam plant, is vital for cement manufacturing. Limestone has traditionally been transported daily via a dedicated single railway track passing through Palaviya station. Owned by Sri Lanka Railways (CGR) and leased to INSEE for limestone transportation, this track makes INSEE the only company in Sri Lanka operating a dedicated rail logistics system alongside CGR operations.
The Ditwah Cyclone recently caused damage to a 3 km stretch of the railway track, including a bridge, completely halting rail transportation. To maintain operations and market supply, INSEE temporarily transported limestone by road during this disruption. In collaboration with Sri Lanka Railways, INSEE Cement invested approximately LKR 1.5 billion to restore the damaged railway section. After 2.5 months of intensive work, the 3 km stretch and the bridge have been successfully restored and are back in operation.
The restoration project was completed by the INSEE team working closely with experienced officials from Sri Lanka Railways, whose technical expertise was crucial in accelerating the project.
Eng. Thusith Gunawarnasuriya, CEO of INSEE Lanka, commented on this achievement: “The swift restoration of this critical railway infrastructure demonstrates INSEE’s resilience and long-term commitment to Sri Lanka. Our LKR 1.5 billion investment underscores our responsibility to ensure uninterrupted supply to the construction sector while strengthening national infrastructure through effective public–private collaboration.”
INSEE Cement extends its sincere appreciation to senior officials of Sri Lanka Railways (CGR) for their support and partnership. The company also expresses gratitude to the Governor of the Northwestern Province, the District Secretary and government officials of Puttalam, the Director of the Road Development Authority (RDA), Sri Lanka Police, Sri Lanka Air Force, and all other authorities and stakeholders who supported the restoration process. INSEE Cement remains firmly committed to building Sri Lanka with strength, resilience, and responsibility.
