Lankem Ceylon invests Rs. 3 billion in Sri Lanka’s first state of the art Single Super Phosphate Fertilizer (SSP) factory

Colombo, Sri Lanka, 30th March 2026: Lankem Ceylon PLC has unveiled ‘මඩ රජා’ (Mada Raja), Sri Lanka’s first locally manufactured Single Super Phosphate (SSP) fertilizer, marking a significant milestone in strengthening national agricultural self-sufficiency and reducing reliance on imported fertilizers.

Manufactured by Lankem Minerals Ltd, a fully owned subsidiary of Lankem Ceylon PLC, the product is manufactured at the state-of-the-art facility with an annual capacity of 50,000 metric tonnes. This positioning the company to meet up to 80% of the country’s SSP fertilizer requirement through local production, a strategic step towards building a more self-sustaining agriculture ecosystem.

Backed by Lankem Ceylon PLC’s Rs. 3 billion investment, the product strengthens a sustainable national value chain by utilizing Eppawala Rock Phosphate and sourcing over 30,000 metric tonnes annually from Lanka Phosphate Ltd, reducing imports, enhancing supply security, and generating employment within the Anuradhapura community while reinforcing long-term agricultural resilience in Sri Lanka.

“‘The launch of මඩ රජා’ represents a significant step forward in building Sri Lanka’s agricultural resilience. As a Group, we are focused on enabling long-term national value creation by reducing import dependency and strengthening domestic capability. This initiative reflects our commitment to supporting farmers and the broader agricultural sector through locally manufactured, sustainable solutions,” said Suren Goonawardene, Managing Director of Lankem Ceylon PLC.

Beyond its national and economic significance, ‘මඩ රජා’ introduces a more balanced and forward-looking approach to plant nutrition. Unlike conventional phosphate fertilizers such as Triple Super Phosphate (TSP), which primarily supply phosphorus, SSP delivers a combination of phosphorus, sulphur, and calcium supporting both crop productivity and long-term soil health.

The relevance of SSP is particularly pronounced in Sri Lanka, where soils have become increasingly sulphur-deficient due to continuous cropping, declining organic matter, and the widespread use of high-analysis fertilizers. By restoring this essential nutrient balance, ‘මඩ රජා’ supports improved crop quality and productivity across key sectors including paddy, tea, coconut, pulses, and oil crops.

“In Sri Lanka, sustaining agricultural productivity requires a shift from short-term input optimisation to long-term soil health management. SSP enables this transition by addressing critical nutrient deficiencies while improving overall soil structure and biological activity. Our focus is to support farmers with solutions that deliver consistent performance while restoring the natural capability of the soil over time,” said Ananda Hettiarachchy, Chairman of Lankem Minerals Ltd.

Unlike conventional phosphate fertilizers such as TSP, SSP delivers an integrated nutrient profile, combining phosphorus for root development, sulphur for protein synthesis and enzyme activity, and calcium for improved soil structure, resulting in better nitrogen-use efficiency and more consistent crop performance. Its agronomic benefits are particularly evident in crops like tea, where sulfur enhances leaf chemistry and cup quality, while also contributing to long-term soil regeneration by improving aggregation, aeration, and overall soil fertility for sustained productivity.

ENDS About Lankem Ceylon PLC Lankem Ceylon PLC is a diversified Sri Lankan conglomerate with a strong presence across agriculture, paints, pest control, manufacturing and packaging. With decades of experience and a commitment to innovation and sustainability, Lankem plays a pivotal role in supporting Sri Lanka’s agricultural and industrial sectors through locally driven solutions. The Group continues to focus on enhancing national self-sufficiency, strengthening domestic value chains, and delivering high-quality products that contribute to economic growth and environmental stewardship.