In 2007, LOLC expanded its operation to pursue two key objectives: source and partner with reputed, experienced international organizations and to participate in infrastructure and related projects in Sri Lanka and regional countries. Hence, a dedicated projects development company Lanka ORIX Project Development Co (LOPD) was established with two key projects in tow.

The first of these projects pertains to off-shore sand mining, washing, sieving and supply of sand to the construction industry. Given the ill impacts of river based sand mining on the eco system of water ways, the Government of Sri Lanka banned river mining. Foreseeing this potential, LOPD embarked on an initiative with Dredging International, NV of Belgium, considered the world’s No. 1 dredging reclamation, marine engineering and off-shore contractor to cater to this much needed requirement of Sri Lanka’s construction sector. The project, which is a private public sector partnership, is due to commence commercial operations in the near future. The Government of Belgium has pledged to finance this project of national importance.

The second project is the manufacture of precipitated silica using rice husk ash. LOPD acquired patent rights from US based AgriTec for the use of their technology in 17 countries, namely Sri Lanka, Thailand, China, Vietnam, Philippines, Cambodia, Laos, Indonesia, Myanmar, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Malaysia, Australia, Japan, South Korea and Singapore. Used in the diverse manufacture of tyres, rubber goods, cosmetics, toothpaste, chocolates, biscuits, computer chips, aircraft components and many other manufacturing uses, the scope for this material poses numerous opportunities for LOPD.

Identifying Thailand as the most suitable location, given that the country has more than 18 rice de-husking plants, LOPD joined hands with a company in Surin, Thailand to obtain 20,000 tonnes of rice husk ash per annum, to manufacture precipitated Silica and allied products. After negotiations were completed for construction of the first production facility, the plant will near completion by end 2010 and commercial production will commence 3 months thereon. Six more production facilities will follow in Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam.