Holcim Lanka Private Limited or better known as the custodian of the brand Sanstha Cement is to divest its operations in Sri Lanka. The announcement was made public recently, which came about as a result of the merger they had with yet another global cement giant Lafarge, to becoming HolcimLafarge and Holcim Lanka aligned themselves with the global strategy of the newly formed parent company.
Even as they depart from Sri Lanka, manifesting their superlative principles of good corporate governance once again, they are circumspectly evaluating the credentials of the prospective bidders. It is reliably learnt that two Sri Lankan entities are amongst the Chinese, Indian and Thai magnates vying for the new ownership.
Both Sri Lankan players are no small fry, either. They, too, like the foreign buyers, have all the wherewithal that Holcim is looking for: a clean slate in all their finances, exemplary record of their entrepreneurship and their vision and the will in taking ‘Sanstha’ into the future.
It must be said in all truthfulness that back in 1996, when Holcim entered into the cement arena of this country, Sanstha Cement was on the verge of ending its existence. But before long prudent managerial strategies adopted by Holcim gave it the life blood it needed and turned things around for ‘Sanstha’ to making it the super brand in the hearts and minds of all Sri Lankans.
What is noteworthy here is that in spite of being a corporate entity the interest they had and the impetus they infused on to ‘Sanstha’ –new technology, earth friendly operations in terms of material optimization, cutting down waste, mitigating emissions and meanly lean on energy usage. That is not all. Through Holcim scores of young talent of Sri Lankans had invaluable opportunities to spark and burn bright in the corporate world.
Through the able guidance of Holcim, ‘Sanstha’ played many a pivotal role in their CSR initiatives and gave new form, function and substance into what corporate accountability should really be.
‘Sanstha’ became the undisputed champion when Sri Lanka was rising from the throes of a protracted civil war: Kothmale Hydro Power Station, Mattala International Airport, Hambanthota Port and the International Conference Hall, the harbours at Dikovita and Valachchena, the Southern Highway and of course the multitude of humble homes that got built across the length and breadth of this island nation… and that is but a few amongst a plethora of projects.
It is little wonder then that Holcim, in their divestiture, is so focused with scrutiny in choosing their successor. For they want to be absolutely certain that whosoever is chosen, that they will make Lanka proud with ‘Sanstha’
What better chips to fulfilling that aspiration of a nation than her very own two sons! Let us hope one of them has all what it takes to wining the challenge and make the clarion call, “Sri Lanka can beat the best of the best anywhere!”
What’s more, the world is giving good ear!
Mihidum Senanayake
Manager – PR
Panoramic Creations
Colombo