Role of Paranthan Chemicals Company in provision of safe drinking water

Sri Lanka marks World Water Day on 22 March calling attention to the significance of water resources and global need for preserving water not only for the present generation but also for future generations.

As a Government agency, Paranthan Chemicals Company Ltd. is proud of being associated with the National Water Supply and Drainage Board for providing safe drinking water for generations of Sri Lankans by fulfilling chemical requirement in water purification.

Paranthan Chemicals Company Ltd. is the pioneer and market leader in the Sri Lankan chemical industry functioning under the purview of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce. The company readily supplies the island’s chlorine requirement whilst it ensures the quality and safety standards.

Paranthan Chemicals Corporation was originally established in 1954 as a state owned chemical factory at Paranthan in Killinochchi District, locally manufacturing chlorine, which is mainly used in water purification and other chemicals, namely caustic soda, hydrochloric acid and zinc chloride using salt as the raw material.

The company has been involved in water purification by providing essential chemicals required. A new chlorine storage facility in line with international quality and safety standards has also been set up recently to ensure that adequate stocks of chlorine required for the country are readily available. A plant to manufacture bleaching powder, which is also a highly sought-after chemical in water purification, is also to be established.

With the guidance and support received from Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen and the Secretary of the Ministry T.M.K.B. Tennakoon, the company envisages to re-establish the chlorine and caustic soda factory in Paranthan. Once the factory is established, the entire chlorine demand of the country could be produced locally.

Paranthan Chemicals Company Ltd. also manufactures the widely known bleaching liquid called ‘Sodium hypochlorite’ which is used as a disinfectant and a bleaching agent, whereas production capacity of the plant is to be expanded in line with the market demand. The company is also engaged in a project to establish a caustic soda lie, which would reduce the chemical hazards of the local manufacturing industries. 

Training programs are conducted by the chemical experts of the company, targeting customers and users on safe handling of chemicals. The company is equipped with a team of well-trained chemical engineers and technicians with the special expertise and know-how in the production and handling of chemicals.

Presently the company markets chlorine, caustic soda, hydrochloric acid, bleaching powder and bleaching liquid. 

The company is very proud to be a partner organisation in the provision of safe drinking water for the nation. Hence, it celebrates World Water Day proudly with the National Water Supply and Drainage Board which serves the country by providing sustainable water and sanitation, island-wide.