Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, Hon. Sunil Handunnetti, recently inaugurated Tokyo Cement Group’s cutting-edge cement manufacturing plant in Trincomalee. The fully-automated, high-tech cement grinding facility adds 1 million Metric Tons to Tokyo Cement’s total production capacity, increasing it to 4 million Metric Tons per annum, the largest in the country.
Hon. Sunil Handunnetti, Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, and Mr. Naoaki Kamoshida, Chargé d’affaires ad Interim of the Embassy of Japan unveiling Tokyo Cement Group’s new cement grinding mill in Trincomalee
The event was also graced by the presence of Mr. Naoaki Kamoshida, Chargé d’affaires ad Interim of Japan, Mr. Takafumi Nakanishi, Finance Attache and First Secretary Embassy of Japan, Hon. Prof. Jayantha Lal Ratnasekera, Governor of the Eastern Province, and Hon. Roshan Akmeemana, MP of the Trincomalee District, along with other dignitaries from the Ministry and government officials. At the invitation of Dr. Harsha Cabral PC, Chairman, and Mr. S.R. Gnanam, Managing Director of the Tokyo Cement Group, Mr. Masaharu Sansui, Managing Executive Officer of Mitsubishi Ube Cement Corporation, Tokyo Cement’s technical partner, attended the inauguration ceremony, along with distinguished members of the Board of Directors, as well as the management and staff of the Tokyo Cement Group.
The Hon. Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Sunil Handunnetti, addressing the event, remarked: “It is deeply humbling to witness the significant impact Tokyo Cement has made, not only on the nation’s overall growth but also on the development of the Eastern Province. The immense potential of this region as an extraordinary business hub was recognized decades ago by the late Deshamanya A.Y.S. Gnanam, a vision I share and have consistently advocated. What we see today is a powerful testament of that belief and the progress that can be achieved through robust public-private partnerships and a shared commitment to nation-building. As a government, we reaffirm our support for local investments such as this by fostering a conducive and investor-friendly environment for industrial development.”
Mr. Naoaki Kamoshida, Chargé d’affaires ad Interim of the Embassy of Japan, whilst commending the long-standing partnership that has thrived for over four decades, stated, “We would like to express admiration for Tokyo Cement’s successful mill-expansion, only a few years after the country-wide economic crisis. (…) Tokyo Cement Company’s expansion is not only timely but also visionary. The company’s strategic foresight will surely contribute to national progress and give this region and the country a hope for the future. (…) It is a clear example of how Japanese and Sri Lankan businesses can collaborate to foster sustainable development and mutual prosperity. This partnership is a testament to the strong and enduring economic ties between our two countries.”
Chairman of the Tokyo Cement Group Dr. Harsha Cabral PC, addressing the gathering stated, “This manufacturing capacity expansion to 4 million MT, powered by state-of-the-art European technology, reaffirms Tokyo Cement Group’s commitment to innovation and environmentally efficient production. Most importantly, the entire project was executed by our in-house engineering teams, a powerful testament to Sri Lankan potential and our inherent confidence in creating value from within. Our strategic priorities throughout these forty plus years have consistently focused on expanding our local value chain by reinvesting back in the future of our own country. With this milestone Tokyo Cement is ready to meet the rising demand of the construction industry whilst saving millions of dollars otherwise spent on imports.”
Tokyo Cement Group is Sri Lanka’s largest manufacturer of high-quality cement, concrete, and cement-based innovative products. As a truly homegrown blue-chip company, Tokyo Cement has become an integral part of the country’s growth journey, earning its reputation as the most trusted supplier in the construction industry. From iconic city landmarks to vital infrastructure such as bridges, railroads, and elevated highways, Tokyo Cement’s products have helped shape projects that stand the test of time. With an unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability, the company continues to lead the transformation of the local construction landscape. As a key partner in nation-building, Tokyo Cement is dedicated to enriching the national economy through local value creation, while strengthening its market leadership as a trailblazer in Sri Lanka’s industrial progress.
