Plizio Visual Lab
Holcim Cement Plant Puttalam
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Industrial site
Weather…
Water temperature…
The cement plant in Puttalam, formerly known as Holcim and now operating as INSEE Cement, is the most significant construction material production facility in Sri Lanka. Established in the 1970s, the plant was built to utilize the vast limestone deposits found in the Aruwakkalu region. Through continuous modernization, the facility has become a leader in environmental technology and industrial efficiency. INSEE Cement operates a fully integrated production line here, covering the entire process from limestone quarrying to the final Portland cement product. The plant plays a critical role in supporting the country's booming construction sector and contributes significantly to reducing reliance on costly imports. A major focus of the facility is co-processing technology, where waste materials are used as alternative fuels in the cement kilns, thereby conserving fossil fuels. Geographically, its location in Puttalam is well-suited for distributing cement to the northern and western provinces of the island. With an annual production capacity exceeding one million tons, this industrial landmark remains a central driver for economic growth and regional employment.
- Location: Sri Lanka
- Top sights: Kobbekaduwa Viharaya · Jumma Masjid · Jumma Mosque
- Nearby: Chilaw (10 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Jul.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 25 | 26 | 28 | 29 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 26 | 26 |
| Rain mm | 56 | 47 | 76 | 145 | 110 | 44 | 34 | 51 | 87 | 227 | 247 | 171 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
The Holcim cement plant in Puttalam is a major production facility utilizing the region's rich limestone deposits. It supplies northwestern Sri Lanka with cement for construction and export.
Visiting
The plant premises are typically not open to visitors due to active operations. The facilities and limestone quarries are easily visible from public roads.
Where to view it
The best viewpoint is along the main road between Puttalam and Anamaduwa. From here, you get a wide view of the plant and the limestone quarries.
Local products
The main product is Portland cement, made from the mined limestone. Aggregates and concrete mixes are also available in the region.
Active season
Cement production is continuous throughout the year, but demand increases during the dry season from May to September. During this time, the kilns and mills operate at full capacity.
Nearby
A visit to the plant can be combined with a trip to Puttalam town and the Kalpitiya peninsula. The nearby Wilpattu National Park provides wildlife viewing.
Geography
Facts
- The plant was established in 1970 as the Ceylon Cement Corporation.
- Limestone is sourced from the Aruwakkalu quarry via a dedicated rail link.
- The facility has a total production capacity of around 1.3 million metric tons.
- It was acquired by the Siam City Cement (INSEE) group in 2016.
- The plant features a waste heat recovery system for energy efficiency.
- It is Sri Lanka’s only fully integrated cement manufacturing facility.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Holcim Cement Plant Puttalam (4)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is produced at the Holcim Puttalam plant?
The plant is one of the largest cement factories in Sri Lanka.
Where is the cement plant located?
It is located at the northern end of the Puttalam Lagoon in Palavi.
Is there a visitor center?
There is no public visitor center; factory tours are usually reserved for professional audiences.
How is the raw material obtained?
Limestone is mined in nearby quarries such as in Aruwakkalu.
Is the plant environmentally friendly?
The company invests in technologies to reduce dust emissions and improve energy efficiency.
Holcim Cement Plant Puttalam: where is it located?
Holcim Cement Plant Puttalam is located in Sri Lanka.
Holcim Cement Plant Puttalam: what is there to see?
Highlights include Kobbekaduwa Viharaya, Jumma Masjid, Jumma Mosque.
Holcim Cement Plant Puttalam: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Jul.
Holcim Cement Plant Puttalam: why is it worth visiting?
The cement plant in Puttalam, formerly known as Holcim and now operating as INSEE Cement, is the most significant construction material production facility in Sri Lanka.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Asia
More places in Sri Lanka →
Nearby cities
Puttalam
Puttalam is a town on the west coast near a large lagoon, known for salt production and wind farms.
Kurunegala
Kurunegala is a major transport hub surrounded by giant animal-shaped rock formations in the North Western Province.
Chilaw
Chilaw is a coastal city in the northwest, known for its strong fishing industry and cultural richness.
Kalpitiya
Kalpitiya is a remote peninsula famous for its world-class kitesurfing conditions and dolphin-watching boat tours.
Kandakuli
A premier destination for kitesurfing and dolphin watching on Sri Lanka's west coast, near the Kalpitiya Lagoon.
Ettukala
A vibrant tourist district in Negombo, known for its excellent hotels, restaurants, and the spacious Negombo Beach Park.
Mannar
Mannar is located on an island connected to the mainland by a causeway, and is famous for baobab trees and donkeys.
Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte
Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte is the administrative capital of Sri Lanka, located in the eastern suburban area of Colombo.
Moratuwa
Moratuwa is a large suburb of Colombo, surrounded by water on three sides and known for its furniture industry.
Gampaha
Gampaha is a growing urban region and the administrative capital of the eponymous district in western Sri Lanka.
Wadduwa
Wadduwa is a charming coastal town known for its lush coconut palm groves, golden beaches, and world-class Ayurveda retreats.
Kalutara
Kalutara is a coastal city south of Colombo where the Kalu Ganga River flows into the sea, known for rubber and mangosteen.
Nainativu
A sacred island of great significance to both Buddhists and Hindus, home to two magnificent temple complexes.
Karainagar
An idyllic island town near Jaffna, famous for the beautiful Casuarina Beach.
Aluthgama
Aluthgama is a bustling town at the mouth of the Bentota River, famous for its vibrant market and the massive seated Buddha of Kande Vihara.
Nature
Kelani River
A major river in Sri Lanka that flows from the Sri Pada Mountain Range to Colombo, vital for the city's water supply.
Madu Ganga
A complex coastal wetland ecosystem surrounded by mangrove forests and numerous small islands, popular for boat safaris.
Palk Strait Coast
The coast along the Palk Strait, which separates the Indian state of Tamil Nadu from Sri Lanka.
More places
Mannar Wind Farm
Sri Lanka's largest wind farm located on Mannar Island, harnessing the region's strong winds to generate renewable energy.
Wilpattu National Park
The largest and one of the oldest national parks in Sri Lanka, known for its natural lakes (willus).
Colombo Dockyard PLC
The largest and oldest shipbuilding and repair facility in Sri Lanka, strategically located at the Port of Colombo.
Independence Memorial Hall
A national monument in Colombo built for commemoration of the independence of Sri Lanka.
Ceylon Steel Corporation
A leading steel manufacturer in Sri Lanka, located in Oruwala, playing a crucial role in the construction sector.
Lanka Ashok Leyland
A joint venture that assembles buses and trucks for the Sri Lankan market, supporting public transport.
Henarathgoda Botanical Garden
A historical garden where the first rubber tree in South Asia was planted.
Beruwala Fishery Harbour
One of the main fishery harbors on the southwest coast, handling a significant portion of the country's fish catch.