Lafarge Mahaweli Cement (Pvt) Ltd. known under the brand name Mahaweli Marine Cement were the sponsors for the recently held "Construction 2004" exhibition. "We produce 20% of all cement in Sri Lanka and we provide shipping and trading for exporters and importers of this country and that’s quite a large contribution since most traders use our ships for their trading purposes," said Rex Hatherly, Managing Director of Lafarge Cement Sri Lanka with regard to their contribution to the construction industry.

They have been part of the construction industry back in the 1980’s when they were suppliers of cement for the Victoria Dam and the Mahaweli irrigation project. The corporate logo is Lafarge Cement Sri Lanka and the company name at present is Lafarge Mahaweli Cement. The brands that are selling in the market go by the names of Mahaweli and Mahamera.

"The future plans for Lafarge are that as the building industry develops, we have to make sure that there is a steady flow of cement production. We hope to introduce new blended cements and continue with our certification of 2000 masons programme," Hatherly said. The certification provides the masons with a proper documentation and increase industrial development.

The company further hopes to sponsor exhibitions of this magnitude. The Managing Director said, "The best returns of our market money is achieved through sponsoring such events."