Saturday Aug 23, 2025
Saturday Aug 23, 2025
Wednesday, 20 August 2025 11:52 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The Cabinet of Ministers at their meeting on Monday approved inviting international investors to revive operations at the Kurunchathivu (Elephant Pass-North) saltern under a public-private partnership (PPP) model.
Addressing the weekly post-Cabinet media briefing yesterday, Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said the saltern, which had been inactive for decades due to the civil conflict in the Northern and Eastern provinces, was earlier earmarked for revival with the involvement of local investors. However, the expected outcomes from local participation had not materialised.
As a result, he said the Government has now decided to expand the scope by calling for international expressions of interest to reopen and operate the saltern under a PPP framework.
The Kurunchathivu saltern, once fully operational, is expected to contribute significantly to the country’s salt production, reduce reliance on imports and create new employment opportunities in the Northern Province.
The proposal to this effect was submitted by Industries and Entrepreneurship Development Minister Sunil Handunneththi.
