Business
Browns Heavy Machinery joins hands with Maga Engineering to strengthen Sri Lanka’s infrastructure development
The Heavy Machinery arm of Browns Group recently joined hands with Maga Engineering (Pvt) Ltd by providing ten units of TATA Hitachi 220LC Excavators to power the development of the Ruwanpura Expressway. The product handover ceremony was graced by the presence of the senior management of both companies, including Sanakan Thamotharampillai, Group Chief Operating Officer/Financial Officer, Browns and Piyadasa Madarasinghe, Chief Executive Director, Maga Engineering (Pvt) Ltd.
Powered by Japanese technology, TATA Hitachi epitomises the synergy between two giants in the construction industry—TATA and Hitachi. With its rugged structure, fuel efficient design and remarkable performance, TATA Hitachi is perfect for the operational conditions in Sri Lanka. A testament to the brand’s superior performance, TATA Hitachi has been recognised as a Super Brand in India multiple times.
Construction and physical infrastructure are among the largest sectors of the Sri Lankan economy. Some of the structures under construction in Sri Lanka are the region’s largest and best. In collaboration with the world’s leading brands such as Hitachi, Sakai, Hitachi, Sumitomo, Mahindra, and Okada, Browns Heavy Machinery provides an unmatched range of heavy machinery reputed for trusted technology, advanced functionality, versatility and energy efficiency. Browns Heavy Machinery is well ahead of the competition with its acclaimed 24-hour support service, highly-trained and experienced technical team and its state-of-the-art service facilities. Browns is the Sri Lankan home for many leading global brands as building global brands into local market dominance is a skill Browns has mastered over one-and-a-half-centuries.
The total distance of the Ruwanpura Expressway from Kahathuduwa to Pelmadulla is 73.9km and the first phase of the proposed section is 24.3km. The total project has been awarded to Maga Engineering and the estimated cost of the project is Rs.54.7 billion. The first phase of the road is scheduled to be completed within 36 months (by 2024). The Proposed Ruwanpura Expressway from Kahathuduwa to Pelmadulla via Ratnapura is connecting the Western Province with Sabaragmauwa. The first phase will be divided into four sections and the design speed of this phase will be 110km/h. Moreover, it will be a four-lane two-way expressway.
Commenting about the partnership, Sanakan Thamotharampillai, Group Chief Operating Officer/Financial Officer, Browns stated, “Browns provides a wide array of heavy machinery and tools from renowned brands around the world. We always ensure that our customers receive a fast and reliable aftersales service as we aim to inculcate long-term partnerships. Browns maintains sufficient stocks of machines, spare parts and accessories — despite various challenges in the external environment — to cater to the growing demand.
Sharing his thoughts, G.V.S.K. Kumarasiri, Director – Highways and Bridges, Maga Engineering (Pvt) Ltd said, “Choosing Browns to supply TATA Hitachi 220LC excavators is a wise decision. A clear reflection of the proven performance of TATA Hitachi, the aforementioned machines are very efficient and well facilitate the development of the Ruwanpura Expressway. Moreover, we are delighted with the aftersales service provided by Browns as well.”
Browns is one of Sri Lanka’s largest diversified conglomerates, which manages a fast-growing and valuable portfolio of brands across several key industry sectors, such as power generation, agriculture and plantation, pharmaceuticals, investments, marine and manufacturing, as well as leisure. (Browns)
Two groundbreaking reports launched by the Pathfinder Foundation in collaboration with the Australian Trade and Investment Commission have laid out a practical vision for Sri Lanka’s economic future, pinpointing the mineral and clean energy sectors as twin engines for sustainable growth and investment.
The reports, unveiled on December 17 in Colombo, present actionable roadmaps for project developers and technology providers, positioning Sri Lanka as an emerging frontier in the global clean energy and critical minerals supply chain.
Key content from the minerals report:
Sri Lanka’s largely underutilised mineral sector holds significant potential, with resources increasingly vital to global industries. The country boasts high-purity graphite, rare earth elements (REEs), mineral sands, and phosphate – all critical for electric vehicles, renewable energy technologies, and high-tech manufacturing.
While current mineral exports are around USD 389 million, the International Trade Centre estimates a potential of USD 778 million, with primary data suggesting the true figure could reach USD 2 billion. To capture this value, the report stresses moving beyond exporting raw materials to domestic refining and beneficiation.
A key strategic recommendation is deeper regional collaboration, particularly under the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA). It highlights an opportunity for Sri Lanka to partner with India’s booming automotive and clean energy sectors, where demand for REEs and permanent magnets is soaring. This could involve upstream Indian investment in Sri Lankan REE resources or exports of rare earth oxides for India’s EV, wind, and electronics industries.
Key content from Clean Energy report:
Parallel to its mineral potential, Sri Lanka is pursuing an ambitious transition to clean energy, targeting carbon neutrality by 2050. The country’s renewable energy sector offers a diverse range of investment and trade opportunities for international stakeholders, spanning large-scale utility projects, distributed generation, and service-based collaborations.
Specific opportunities include utility-scale solar and wind projects, offshore wind resource mapping, and rooftop solar in urban corridors. There is also growing momentum for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) to stabilise the grid, green hydrogen pilot plants, and the development of net-zero industrial parks powered entirely by renewables.
The reports highlight a powerful synergy: Sri Lanka’s minerals are essential for the very clean technologies it seeks to deploy. For instance, its phosphate can be used in lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, while its high-purity quartz is vital for solar-grade silicon.
Australia is identified as a key partner in both sectors. Australian Mining Equipment, Technology, and Services (METS) firms can provide cutting-edge, sustainable mining technology, while Australian expertise in smart grids, BESS, and green hydrogen aligns with Sri Lanka’s long-term energy strategy.
While outlining vast potential, the reports also acknowledge challenges, including regulatory complexities, infrastructure gaps, and the need for enhanced skills development. Proposed solutions include modernising approval processes, developing a national critical minerals strategy, and fostering public-private partnerships.
The consensus from keynote speakers at the event – including Pathfinder Foundation Chairman Bernard Goonetilleke, Australian High Commissioner Matthew Duckworth, and senior representatives from academia, government, and Austrade – was clear. Their collective insight underscored the reports’ central thesis: Sri Lanka is presented with a unique, synergistic opportunity. By strategically developing its mineral wealth and accelerating its clean energy transition in tandem, the nation can attract significant foreign investment, create high-value jobs, and secure a competitive position in the Indo-Pacific’s sustainable economic future.
By Sanath Nanayakkare ✍️
The Commercial Bank of Ceylon has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Prime Lands and Prime Land Residencies to provide up to 100% financing for customers purchasing condominium units or gated houses developed by the Prime Group, demonstrating the Bank’s unwavering commitment to empowering more Sri Lankans to achieve their dream of home ownership.
The agreement enables prospective homeowners to seamlessly access Commercial Bank’s home loan facilities with tripartite agreements involving the developer, the buyer and the Bank. As the market leader in home loans, Commercial Bank brings unmatched expertise and flexibility to borrowers seeking to invest in properties developed by one of Sri Lanka’s most trusted names in real estate.
Commenting on the partnership, S. Ganeshan, Deputy General Manager – Personal Banking at Commercial Bank said: “This agreement with Prime Lands and Prime Land Residencies creates an excellent opportunity for us to expand our housing loan portfolio while enabling more Sri Lankans to realise one of their life goals. Commercial Bank’s strong home loan offering, combined with Prime Group’s reputation as a leading developer, ensures customers benefit from both financial strength and quality of construction.”
The Prime Group, which positions itself as the leader of real estate artistry in Sri Lanka, comprises subsidiaries associated with lands, houses, finance and condominiums. With over 30 years of trust and excellence and a base of more than 300,000 customers, the Group says it is driven by its evergreen vision: ‘Committed to Creating a Better Place on Earth,’ which continues to inspire its passion to deliver homes that bring customers’ dreams to life.
Mahogany Masterpieces, a Sri Lankan luxury furniture brand, has launched the “An Ode to Grain” collection. This showcase honors mahogany’s natural beauty and the brand’s craftsmanship. The philosophy is to let the wood’s grain guide the design, creating timeless pieces that respect the material. The collection includes new architectural elements like architraves, paneling, and corbels, designed to bring lasting warmth and character to interiors.
Visitors can view the full collection at the Mahogany Masterpieces Showroom and Design Studio which is located at No. 87, Dr. Lester James Peiris Mawatha (Dickman’s Road), Colombo – 05. www.mahoganymasterpieces.com
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