Minister of Industrial Development Kumara Welgama stated that production activities of the Elephant Pass Saltern would be started soon under the ‘Uthuru Vasanthaya’.

He made the statement when a group of ex-employees arrived at the Ministry to request the Minister to re-open the Elephant Pass Saltern, which has been abandoned due to LTTE terror.

The employees pointed out that this Saltern was the largest in the island and had an annual production capacity of 50,000 metric tons. There would be no production fluctuation as there was a fair climate to have good harvest, they said.

The employees pointed out that in future, the local demand could be fulfiled. The Minister stated that he would pay special attention regarding to it. He said that he would take necessary action to start production activities concurrently at the Paranthan Chemical factory.

Special attention has been given to fulfil the local demand with the ability to start the manufacturing of Caustic Soda, Chlorine and Sulfuric Acid. He stated that in future the required chlorine to the Water Supply Board could be supplied and he gave instructions to the Secretary of the Ministry to start manufacturing activities of the Chemical Factory quickly.