Holcim Lanka unveils 4th Holcim Village in Galle

Aerial view of the new homes built by Holcim Lanka in Akmeemana, Galle

New homes built using green practices and designs to provide shelter for the less fortunate in Akmeemana, Galle

Escorted by Holcim Lanka CEO Philippe Richart, President Maithripala Sirisena ceremoniously unveils the plaque to commemorate the opening of the 13 new homes in Akmeemana, Galle, a Holcim Lanka project under the Sustainable Development initiative – ‘Holcim Villages’

President Maithripala Sirisena awards a lucky recipient with the deed to their new home

Holcim Lanka, under their Sustainable Development project ‘Holcim Villages’ constructed and opened homes for the destitute in Akmeemana, Galle. The official opening ceremony was attended by President Maithripala Sirisena on 18 September. 

The Rs. 14 million project in Galle which saw its foundation being laid on in 2014 was designed to match the needs of the community surrounding the Ruhunu Cement Works factory. The housing units are equipped with electricity, water and access roads. This is one of four Holcim villages which are active around Sri Lanka. 

From its operations in Sri Lanka, Holcim Lanka commented on the unveiling: “As part of Holcim’s sustainable development plan, Holcim Villages fall under the Livable Communities promise. Here, we promise to provide and promote civic engagement and a sense of community through safe, sustainable choices for categories such as housing and livelihood development. Contributing to infrastructure is at the core business (and heart) of Holcim. This particular project in Akmeemana builds on the previously completed Holcim Villages in Medirigiriya, Eluwankulama and Puttalam.”

“Holcim has a long history of serving neighbouring communities, and it is also a key component of the Group’s social responsibility philosophy. Employees across the Group strongly reaffirm their commitment by getting involved in the communities located close to production sites, donating time and expertise. It is a meaningful time for us as we launch yet another Holcim Village to 13 well-deserved recipients. This fourth completion under the Holcim Villages project is a testament to our commitment to provide positively to the surrounding communities and support those in need,” Holcim (Lanka) Ltd. CEO Philippe Richart.

Holcim has looked to the Community Advisory Panel (CAP) throughout the project for guidance in order to fulfil the needs of the community and looks to ease and improve the living standards of the community in Akmeemana. In addition to empowering the community and providing shelter to communities in need, Holcim continued to work towards reducing their carbon footprint via eco-friendly principles and practices during construction and in the design architecture of the houses.

Built to be environmentally sustainable as well as socially responsible, the Holcim Village in Galle has been designed to specifically engage communities through building of infrastructure where it is needed to improve lives and reduce poverty, to meet rising aspirations and ensure self-sustaining livelihoods which improve living conditions

The designs for the village were prepared by a pioneer in the field of Green Building in Sri Lanka – Professor Jayasinghe of the University of Moratuwa. Holcim demonstrates that CSR is a part of our corporate DNA by engaging employees from all levels to volunteer in the construction of the houses. 

As a trusted supplier of cement for the last decade to Sri Lanka, Holcim is embedded in the hearts and minds of the people. One in three homes in Sri Lanka uses Holcim cement, a profound testimonial of Holcim’s credentials in the marketplace.