INSEE Cement restores Galle Fort library
INSEE Cement, (earlier known as Holcim), Sri Lanka’s most popular manufacturer of cement, has launched a unique Corporate Social Responsibility endeavor to restore important national heritage sites in Sri Lanka that need renovation and preservation.
The commendable initiative kicked off recently with work commencing on renovating the historic library in Galle Fort.
Established in 1832, next to the Dutch Reformed Church in Church Street, the library is considered to be the oldest library in the country and is a repository of over 7,500 very valuable special old books. Its restoration has greater relevance because Galle has earned a world-wide reputation as the venue for the annual Galle Literary Festival that attracts literature enthusiasts and acclaimed writers from across the world.
The present President of Galle Library Fort and the Governor of the Southern Province, Dr.hemakumara Nanayakkara commented “It is most creditable of INSEE Cement to accept the task of restoring the grand old building to its former glory and the initiative is greatly appreciated and is a significant contribution not only to Galle but to the whole country.”
INSEE Cement’s Sustainable Development, External Affairs and Communication Director, Farzana Khan, said “As a Company producing an essential product that is crucial to builders, INSEE Cement is proud and pleased to ensure the preservation of Sri Lanka’s national heritage sites for future generations. This vision and commitment is what drives INSEE Cement to offer long lasting solutions to uplift the construction industry. We are delighted to be part of this project and have the satisfaction of seeing the historical monument restored.”
INSEE Cement is the only local manufacturer in Sri Lanka to introduce eco-friendly ‘green’ cement to the country and is a member of the Siam City Cement Company, a leading cement manufacturer in Southeast Asia, founded in 1969 in Thailand.
The Company manufactures INSEE branded cement, construction aggregates and solutions which are marketed in Cambodia, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, in addition to Thailand. Its cement manufacturing complex in Saraburi, Thailand is the largest in the world offering greater manufacturing capability to the region.