Protest against ‘Melwa Cement’ factory project in Katunayake
Katunayaka residents held a protest demonstration yesterday (June 29) near the 18th Mile Post Junction, against a facility initially approved as a tourist hotel, being converted into a cement manufacturing and packaging plant of Melwa Cement (Pvt) Ltd.
Approvals were initially granted by the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) on Dec. 12, 2020, while the Urban Development Authority (UDA) issued a development permit on Dec. 25, 2025.
The original approval was for a single-storey building of 3,857 square metres on a 6-acre and 1-rood land extent.
However, protestors allege that the project has since been altered and re-approved as a five-storey cement manufacturing facility with a total floor area of 12,925 square metres.
The construction reportedly extends from the Colombo–Katunayake main road up to the Negombo lagoon.
Threat to Liyanagemulla mangroves
Protesters further warn that the project could have wide-ranging environmental and social impacts, including to the Colombo-Katunayake Expressway, Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), nearby hotels, 03 international schools, and the Negombo lagoon and associated fishing communities.
They also highlighted potential risks to the Liyanagemulla Conservation Forest which was declared under a special gazette notification, as well as to dormitories of female workers in the Katunayake Free Trade Zone and tourism-related boat safari operations in the Muthurajawela wetland.
They point out that the project would create an environment filled with cement dust in this area.
They further alleged that construction is being carried out rapidly in violation of conditions imposed by the UDA, and questioned why no official information board has been displayed at the site.
The protest drew participation from Buddhist and Catholic clergy, fishermen, environmental activists, social activists, senior citizens’ groups, and local tourism sector entrepreneurs.
Who owns Melwa?
The Melwa group, founded in 2003, is chaired by Mr. Anandharajah Pillai.
His brothers – Mr P.P. Barathamanickam, P.P. Devaraja, Mr. Divek Barathamanickam, Mr. Shandeep Segar makes up the board of directors of this family-owned business.
In addition to being the most prominent steel manufacturer in Sri Lanka, the company portfolio has diversified into several sectors including hospitality.
Meanwhile, earlier this month, the company reportedly partnered with Prime Lands to launch an international-standard mixed-use project in the Port City.
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