News
President opens South Asia’s biggest US$ 250 million tyre factory
by Sanath Nanayakkare
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa inaugurated South Asia’s largest tyre factory built at a cost of US$ 250 million, at Wagawatte in Horana on Thursday.
Ferentino Tyre Corporation (Pvt) Limited is Sri Lanka’s biggest manufacturing facility for tyres and radials.
Ferentino Chairman Nandana Lokuwithana recalled how he was continuously motivated by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to kick-start the plant without any delay.
“The President not only emphasized on getting the factory started but also mobilized and provided the support of relevant government institutions including the Board of Investments (BoI) towards getting the infrastructure and other operational aspects in place to ensure its commencement,” he said.
Lokuwithana said that the local manufacturers and entrepreneurs are encouraged by the President’s vision to boost production of goods for the local and export markets. “We believe we can rely on the government’s support in the future too,” he said.
The opening ceremony was also attended by Minister of Industries Wimal Weerawansa and Minister of Ports and Shipping Rohitha Abeygunwardena. The facility constructed with an investment of USD 250Mn is the brainchild of reputed entrepreneur Nandana Lokuwithana, the incumbent Chairman of Ceylon Steel Corporation (Pvt) Ltd.
The project will be the largest such facility in Southeast Asia manufacturing Passenger Car Radials (PCR) including specialized category for SUVs, two-wheelers, three-wheelers, trucks, buses and solid tyres seamlessly combining local talent with sophisticated European technology.
The new manufacturing plant combines state-of-the-art European technology in tyre manufacturing with local craftsmanship for an optimum, world-class output. The project was facilitated by the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka (BOI) and aims to generate a substantial amount employment opportunities directly and indirectly.
Ferentino Tyres will use locally sourced rubber as a main ingredient thereby compelling the local industry to level itself to deliver to the global expectation. The Phase 1 of the project has already been completed and commissioned while the construction of Phase 2 is scheduled to be completed in March 2022.
Lokuwithana also heads Onyx Group in the UAE with a host of subsidiaries including a steel fabrication company. His other investments include: Marriot Al Jadaf Hotel in Dubai, up-coming state-of-the art Cement Grinding Plant in Mirijjawila, Hambantota slated to be commissioned in May 2021 and Marangoni Industrial Tyres Lanka (Pvt) Ltd.
As part of the official visit to London for the 43rd Commonwealth of Learning (COL) Board of Governors Meeting 2026, the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, held discussions with academic experts from the British Council on Wednesday [20 May 2026].
The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in education, particularly in the areas of teacher training, English language programmes, education frameworks, and language acquisition skills.
The British Council shared international experience and highlighted its ongoing engagement in Sri Lanka, while expressing readiness to support the country through technical assistance, teacher development initiatives, and policy collaboration.
Discussions also included views on improving quality assurance, expanding research collaboration, and enhancing learning opportunities.
The Prime Minister appreciated the British Council’s continued engagement in Sri Lanka and reiterated the importance of deepening partnerships.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division’
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, who is currently on an official visit to the United Kingdom, met with members of the Sri Lankan community living in London on Wednesday [20th] and engaged in cordial discussions.
Despite the event being held on a weekday, it was notable that nearly one thousand Sri Lankans representing the Sinhala, Tamil, and Muslim communities attended with great enthusiasm.
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that despite natural disasters and international crises, the present government has succeeded in stabilizing the country’s economy while providing relief to the people. She further noted that Sri Lanka’s political culture has now undergone a positive transformation that is irreversible.
Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Paulraj, addressing the event, stated that a governance system has now been established in the country where all communities are treated equally and the benefits of economic development are shared fairly among all citizens.
Moving away from the traditional method of political gatherings, the event also provided an open platform for members of the Sri Lankan community to directly raise questions and express their views to the Prime Minister and the Minister.
Commenting on the organization of the event, the organizing committee stated that all expenses, including dinner, were borne by the participants themselves. The organizers further remarked that it is unsurprising that opposition groups, accustomed to organizing such events through the misuse of public funds, appear unsettled by this transparent process.
The occasion was attended by the Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Paulraj and Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Nimal Senadheera.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya currently undertaking an official visit to London, United Kingdom, to participate in the 43rd Commonwealth of Learning (COL) Board of Governors Meeting 2026 held a bilateral meeting with the Yvette Cooper MP, Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom ON Wednesday [20]. The Prime Minister was accompanied by Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Nimal Senadheera, along with officials from the Sri Lankan High Commission.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister conveyed Sri Lanka’s appreciation to the United Kingdom for the support extended in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwa, including ongoing rebuilding and recovery assistance. The Prime Minister also commended the United Kingdom’s support in facilitating increased bilateral trade and exports for Sri Lanka.
The Prime Minister briefed the UK delegation on Sri Lanka’s recent economic developments and policy priorities, the Government’s commitment to advancing human rights and reconciliation, as well as Sri Lanka’s positive growth trajectory.
The two sides also exchanged views on current global geopolitical developments, challenges in the energy sector, and the importance of enhancing regional connectivity and long-term energy security.
Both sides also emphasised the importance of strengthening structured academic mobility frameworks while ensuring fairness, clarity, and integrity within migration systems.
They also reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two countries in areas of mutual interest.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
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