This case study illustrates the traditional techniques adopted for the production of lime hydrate in Sri Lanka and compares the methods used with dolomite and coral as the raw materials. The present state of the lime industry has been studied by a number of organisations including Intermediate Technology Development Group, Industrial Development Board, Ceramic Research and Development Centre and Institute for Construction Training and Development. Their findings reveal that coral and shell deposits are being exhausted rapidly and an alternative raw material for lime production has to be identified as well as technologies introduced for the establishment of energy efficient lime kilns due to a scarcity of fuelwood in most areas.