Business

CMTA and Sudath Perera Associates address legal action to combat fake spare parts

Published

2 years ago

2024/09/17

Pictured: Virann de Zoysa, Chairman of Ceylon Motor Traders Association and Sudath Perera, Founder & Managing Partner of Sudath Perera Associates.

The Ceylon Motor Traders Association (CMTA), the most senior automotive association in South Asia, and Sudath Perera Associates, one of Sri Lanka’s most reputed legal firms, specializing in intellectual property rights, recently held a highly informative briefing for members of the CMTA at the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce to address the growing market of counterfeit parts in the country.

During the session, Sudath Perera Associates provided CMTA members with valuable insights and a detailed overview of the legal measures available to combat the spread of counterfeit products. It also emphasised the importance of collaboration between industry stakeholders and law enforcement authorities to protect consumers and the broader economy.

Counterfeit parts are difficult to identify as they utilise replicated logos and packaging to appear genuine. This issue is particularly concerning where safety-critical parts such as brake pads for vehicles, trucks and motorcycles are concerned. More often than not, these counterfeit parts fail to meet the required safety standards, which puts consumers and road users in danger.

Virann de Zoysa, Chairman of the Ceylon Motor Traders Association said, “We collaborated with Sudath Perera Associates to set up this initiative after hearing of the great work initiated by Toyota and Honda and the recent action they have taken against the illicit sale of parts. It is essential that we collaborate and do everything we can in terms of legal action to mitigate the sale of these illegal parts and ensure the safety of consumers as well.”

Sudath Perera, Founder and Managing Partner of Sudath Perera Associates, stated “The sale of counterfeit goods is problem that exists on a large scale in retail, pharmaceuticals, sports goods, automotive and everything in between. It is imperative that legal action is taken against these sellers of illicit goods. In terms of the automotive industry, we are pleased to be able to partner up with the CMTA and its members in the action they are taking to seize the sale of these goods.”

From an economic perspective, the illegal trade of counterfeit components drains extremely valuable forex revenue from the country. These parts are illegally brought into the country, avoid proper customs processes, and are taxed by their weight rather than their actual value. This results in the government losing significant amounts of revenue that should ideally be collected from the legitimate imports of parts. This issue needs to be addressed as a national priority.

The CMTA, which represents over 30 globally reputed automative brands in Sri Lanka, has been closely monitoring this issue, and are committed to ensuring that Sri Lankan consumers have access to genuine, high-quality parts that adhere to international standards. In response to these violations global automotive brands have already begun to take legal action.

Honda and Toyota have recently led efforts to mitigate the counterfeit market by conducting raids on shops who sell counterfeit parts. These operations have resulted in counterfeit goods being seized and destroyed, and several shop owners being arrested and charged with serious offences. This serves as a warning to all those engaging in illicit practices, that both manufacturers and authorities are determined to protect consumers and uphold the integrity of genuine products.

As the battle against the sale of counterfeit parts moves forward, the CMTA encourages all consumers to be cautious and ensure that all parts are purchased from authorised distributors. A collaborative effort is imperative to safeguard the market from dangerous and damaging products.

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Business

The Ceylon Chamber’s Commercial Document Registration Division expands export support

Published

13 hours ago

2026/07/11

Thilina Walpola

The Commercial Documents Registration Division (CDRD) of The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce has expanded its export support services with the introduction of the Free Sale Letter for Pharmaceuticals, providing Sri Lankan pharmaceutical manufacturers and exporters with an additional document certification service to support their export processes and compliance requirements in international markets.

The new service expands CDRD’s portfolio of trade documentation solutions, which includes Certificates of Origin and the certification of key commercial documents required by overseas buyers, customs authorities, and regulatory bodies. These services assist exporters across sectors by helping ensure their documentation meets applicable requirements for international trade.

Established in 1925 as one of the authorised institutions to issue Certificates of Origin in Sri Lanka, CDRD has supported the country’s international trade for nearly a century. Today, the Division provides certification and verification services to exporters, manufacturers, freight forwarders, logistics providers, and other trade stakeholders, supporting businesses in meeting documentation requirements for global markets.

In addition to pharmaceutical certification, CDRD facilitates the certification of Commercial Invoices, Packing Lists, Price Lists, Health Certificates, Phytosanitary Certificates, Certificates of Analysis, Bills of Lading, Survey Reports, Beneficiary Certificates, and other export-related documents. The Division also issues Free Sale Letters and Surveyor Appointment Letters, while supporting exporters through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Electronic Document Attestation System (e-DAS), enabling secure and efficient document authentication.

Through established processes, digital solutions, and its e-service platform, CDRD continues to enhance the efficiency and accessibility of trade documentation services. Available 24/7 and 365 days of the year, the platform enables exporters to submit and manage documentation requirements conveniently while ensuring that certified documents meet internationally accepted requirements. By providing reliable documentation support and adapting its services to changing trade needs, the Division assists Sri Lankan businesses in managing export requirements and accessing international markets.

For more information on obtaining commercial document registration services, contact Achala via achala@chamber.lk / 0115588886

Business

Siyapatha Finance unveils newest branch in Bandarawela

Published

13 hours ago

2026/07/11

Thilina Walpola

Siyapatha Finance PLC recently expanded its island-wide footprint with the successful inauguration of its 64th branch in Bandarawela. Strategically located in scenic hill town in the Badulla District, the latest branch offers convenient and wider access to tailored, customer-centric financial solutions.

The branch was ceremoniously declared open by Siyapatha Finance PLC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mathisha Hewavitharana, joined by Chief Operating Officer (COO)Rajeev De Silva, Ms.D.M. Dewmi Tharindi, a student of Bandarawela Dharmapala Vidyalaya who won the Under-18 Girls’ 3,000m event at the Junior National Athletics Championship, the Senior Management and staff members as well as Traffic OIC Kandasami, Trade Association Secretary Sunanda Rathnayaka, representatives of the government and private banks and insurance companies and well-wishers.

Sharing his thoughts, Siyapatha Finance PLC CEO Mathisha Hewavitharana remarked: “We are deeply honoured to be of service to the people of Bandarawela. Opening this branch is a pivotal step in our 2026 expansion strategy and a reflection of our commitment to strengthen our presence in Sri Lanka. It is a region that showcases potential for greater economic development primarily through the country’s traditional agricultural practices. We look forward to reaching as many different communities as possible in the coming years.”

The Bandarawela branch offers a comprehensive product portfolio including leasing, fixed deposits, gold financing, business loans, personal loans, fast draft, and factoring to Smart Pay, the Company’s bill payment facility. With a thorough understanding about the current socio-economic dynamics of the region, the well-trained team at the newest branch is dedicated to providing flexible financial solutions to aspiring individuals as well as small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs).

Business

Dialog recognised as Sri Lanka’s Most Loved Service and Telecommunications Brand for third consecutive year

Published

13 hours ago

2026/07/11

Thilina Walpola

Dialog Axiata PLC, Sri Lanka’s #1 connectivity provider, has once again been recognised as Sri Lanka’s Most Loved Brand in the Service and Telecommunications sectors, while also ranking among the top Corporate Brands in the LMD Brands Annual. Marking its third consecutive year at the top of both categories, the recognition reflects the company’s commitment to enriching Sri Lankan lives and enterprises through technology, while creating value for customers, communities and the nation.

The accolades were awarded through the LMD Brands Annual survey, conducted independently by PepperCube Consultants on behalf of Media Services. Based on responses from 400 readers across Sri Lanka, representing a broad demographic and geographic mix, the survey identified the brands that resonated most strongly with consumers in terms of trust, loyalty and brand affinity.

Lasantha Theverapperuma, Group Chief Marketing Officer of Dialog Axiata PLC said, “Being recognised as Sri Lanka’s Most Loved Brand across both the Service and Telecommunications sectors is a meaningful endorsement of the trust and confidence that Sri Lankans continue to place in Dialog. This recognition reflects our commitment to understanding and serving the evolving needs of our customers while expanding access to digital connectivity, services and opportunities. As we continue to innovate and grow, we remain focused on creating value for communities and supporting Sri Lanka’s digital and socioeconomic progress.”

The recognition also reflects Dialog’s continued focus on innovation, customer-centricity and investments that support Sri Lanka’s digital future, including expanded 5G connectivity, AI-powered digital experiences and broader access to digital services.

Beyond connectivity, Dialog continues to support communities, livelihoods and the environment through initiatives such as Govi Mithuru, which provides AI-driven agricultural advisory services to over one million farmers, and Shishyadhara, which has enabled subsidy distribution to more than 450,000 underprivileged students. The company also continues to advance its Net Zero 2050 ambition through energy optimisation, renewable energy adoption and the expansion of solar-powered network infrastructure.

Further underscoring the brand’s standing among Sri Lankan consumers, Dialog was also recognised as the ‘Service Brand of the Year’ for the fifth time and the ‘Telecommunication Brand of the Year’ for the 15th consecutive year at the SLIM-KANTAR People’s Awards 2026.