The country’s first paper factory which was established in 1955 was commissioned for commercial operation in 1956 at Valaichchenai.
Valaichchenai Paper Mills was renamed as Eastern Paper Mills Corporation in 1958 and the Board Machine was commissioned in 1972.
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National Paper Company Limited (NPCL) is Sri Lanka’s oldest and only state-owned paper manufacturing organization, with a proud history spanning nearly seven decades. Established as the country’s first paper factory in 1955 and commissioned for commercial operations in 1956 at Valaichchenai, NPCL has played a vital role in supporting national development, education, administration, and industry through the supply of locally manufactured paper products.
Originally, the factory known as Valaichchenai Paper Mills, the organization was renamed Eastern Paper Mills Corporation in 1958, with the commissioning of the Board Machine in 1956 marking a major milestone in capacity expansion. After twenty years later in 1976, a second paper mill was established at Embilipitiya as part of the national expansion programme as Embilipitiya Paper Mills and the organization was subsequently renamed as the National Paper Corporation.
On 01 July 1992, National Paper Corporation was converted into a liability-limited company and incorporated under the Companies Act No. 17 of 1992 as National Paper Company Limited (NPCL).
For many years, NPCL functioned as the market leader in Sri Lanka’s paper industry, supplying a significant share of national demand. However, following the implementation of the open market economic policy and the removal of the 35% import tariff on paper and board in 1994, the organization faced intense competition from low-cost imports. Operational challenges due to prolonged conflict in the Eastern Province also affected profitability and market share.
Despite these challenges, NPCL remained the only local manufacturer of several essential paper and board products, including Duplicating Paper, Duplo Colour Paper, U.B. Printing Paper, Cream Laid Paper, Cover Paper, Test Liner, Manila Board, Bristol Board, and Box Board up to the 90s’ decade as well as Volunteer Retirement Schemes (VRS) introduced at several stages since 2002 to 2016.
The Embilipitiya Paper Mill was privatized in 2011 and the privatization was canceled in 2019. It was leased to KSPA Empbilipitiya Paper Mills (Pvt) Ltd in March 2022 for 30 years.
In 2020, the Ministry of Industries restructured NPCL to turn it into a profitable state-owned venture. Production restarted on 01 August 2020. The company now safeguards local industry, reduces foreign exchange outflows, and provides employment to nearly 400 families directly and over 500 indirectly.
With the successful recommencement of operations at Valaichchenai Paper Mill and renewed national focus on industrial revival, sustainability, and import substitution, NPCL is repositioning itself for growth.
The organization is committed to productivity enhancement, operational excellence, innovation, and sustainable manufacturing, while contributing meaningfully to the national economy and Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
We combine innovation, quality, and sustainability to deliver superior paper and board products. Our commitment to customer satisfaction and industry leadership makes us the preferred choice in Sri Lanka.
We manufacture and trade premium paper and board products that meet the highest standards.
Our solutions are tailored to meet the unique needs of every client, ensuring complete satisfaction.
We prioritize environmentally friendly methods, promoting responsible use of natural resources.
Our skilled professionals bring technological and managerial excellence to every project.
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