Raigam Wayamba Salterns reports record turnover and major expansion despite industry crisis

Raigam Group of Companies (RGC) Managing Director Kishan Theodore, RGC Chairman Dr. Ravi Liyanage, Senior Director Ganaka Amarasinghe and T. Dharmarajah – Chairman, Raigam Wayamba Salterns PLC

Raigam Wayamba Salterns PLC (RWS), Sri Lanka’s only listed salt manufacturer, has recorded a turnover exceeding Rs. 2.5 billion for the 2024/25 financial year — marking a 41.5 percent growth despite facing the most severe crisis in the industry’s history. 
Releasing its annual report at the Centre for Banking Studies of the Central Bank, the company said profit before tax rose from Rs. 440 million to Rs. 495 million, while net profit stood at Rs. 358 million. A dividend of 25 cents per share was declared, benefiting nearly 3,800 shareholders.
Addressing a press briefing recently, Raigam Group Chairman Dr. Ravi Liyanage said the group’s resilience was tested by the total collapse of raw material supplies last year due to consecutive failed harvests. 
“Prudent situational management and a balanced pricing policy enabled us to safeguard both consumers and the industry,” he noted. RWS played a key role in stabilising the market by importing 7,000 metric tonnes of raw salt for small and medium industries, ensuring nationwide distribution, and maintaining regulated retail prices during the crisis.
Dr. Liyanage explained that the salt shortage experienced during the first half of 2025 was not caused by any group or political influence but resulted from consecutive seasonal failures due to prolonged rains in salt-producing regions. The problem, which had been developing over several years, worsened in 2024 when national buffer stocks were depleted. The situation has now stabilised with imported salt and an ongoing successful Maha harvest, supported by the Ministries of Trade and Industries.
Outlining Raigam’s contribution during the crisis, the company said it took several proactive steps, including early warnings to authorities, fair-priced imports, and transparent pricing policies to prevent exploitation. 
Looking ahead, Raigam announced major expansion plans to strengthen the sector’s resilience against weather disruptions. The company is investing Rs. 600 million to establish a new Pure Vacuum Dried (PVD) salt plant in Trincomalee by December 2025 and plans to develop new salterns in the Eastern Province.