Business
CEAT Kelani launches three new radial tyre variants in ‘Orion Brawo’ range

Sri Lanka’s leading pneumatic tyre manufacturer CEAT-Kelani has introduced three new variants of high-performance radial tyres into the market, widening choice for a significant segment of vehicle owners, the company announced.
Joining CEAT’s ‘Orion Brawo’ range, the new radials are in the sizes 155/65 R14, 165/70 R14 and 165 R13, with the first two sizes designated for popular models of compact and small cars, and the third for mid-sized vans, the company said.
“These tyres both feature a tread pattern of a centre rib with three circumferential grooves and a high land area, which translate to improved tread life and higher resistance to impacts, cuts and other damage,” a news release said.
The 155/65 R14 is designed for Suzuki Wagon R, Daihatsu Mira ES, Daihatsu Hijet, Nissan Dayz and Honda N-WGN, while the 165/70 R14 fits Toyota Vitz, Toyota Aqua, Renault Kwid and Toyota Passo, seen in large numbers on Sri Lankan roads.
Meanwhile the CEAT Orion Brawo 165 R13 van radial sports a 4-rib high land design, angular notched rib pattern, a wide solid kerb rib and a highly reinforced belt that combine to deliver improved tread life, better durability, resistance to cutting and chipping and better load bearing. It is designed for Toyota Town Ace, Toyota Lite Ace and several other models of vans, the release explained.
The addition of these three tyres takes CEAT’s radial tyre portfolio in Sri Lanka to 58 variants, the company said.
“The launch of these tyres reflects our continuing commitment to cater to the tyre requirements of the full spectrum of vehicles in Sri Lanka, from the high-end European sedans and SUVs to the smaller family cars and vans,” CEAT Kelani Chief Operating Officer Shamal Gunawardene said. “The Orion range is priced to be affordable and competitive in the market, and is available at our dealer outlets island-wide.”
The largest domestic manufacturer of cross-ply and radial tyres in Sri Lanka, CEAT Kelani’s manufacturing operations encompass pneumatic tyres in the radial (passenger cars, vans and SUVs), commercial (Bias-ply and radial), motorcycle, three-wheeler and agricultural vehicle segments.
CEAT Kelani Holdings currently manufactures half of Sri Lanka’s pneumatic tyre requirements, exports about 20 per cent of its production to 16 countries and plays a significant role in helping the national economy conserve foreign exchange by reducing dependence on imported tyres.
Business
SL High Commission in London hosts business promotion dialogue

Sujeeva Nivunhella reporting from London
In a bid to support Sri Lankan small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) entrepreneurs in the UK, the High Commission of Sri Lanka in London, in collaboration with NLC Consultants-UK, hosted the inaugural Sri Lanka Business Promotion Dialogue recently.
The event, designed to assist startup businesses led by Lankan entrepreneurs, aimed to foster business growth, enhance international market access for Sri Lankan-origin products in the UK, and expand employment opportunities for Lankans living in Britain.
Delivering the opening remarks at the dialogue, Minister (Commercial) of the High Commission Somasena Mahadiulwewa emphasized the significance of the event series. He underscored the initiative’s long-term goal of establishing a dedicated SME Entrepreneurs’ Hub at the High Commission, in line with the vision of the new Sri Lankan government and guidance from the country’s Foreign Affairs and other relevant ministries.
As part of the event’s knowledge-sharing sessions, Ranganath Abeykoonge, a Chartered Accountant and Managing Director of Sonic Builders in London, shared insights on his journey to business success. Drawing from his experiences, including working at major UK companies like TK Maxx, Abeykoonge encouraged young Lankan entrepreneurs to capitalize on business opportunities in the UK while also creating jobs for their fellow nationals.
Thilak Dharmarathne, a past member of the Sri Lanka AAT Council and Director of NLC Consultants-UK, delivered an address highlighting strategies for business growth and market penetration.
A panel discussion, chaired by Mahadiulwewa, addressed key concerns faced by Lankan business owners in the UK. Panellists included Nayana Kularathne, a Chartered Accountant, who provided guidance on tax and accounting matters; Heshan Mathugamage, a Sri Lankan lawyer and Director of NLC Consultants-UK, who addressed company startup queries; Mohamed Sameen, a UK solicitor, who covered legal business processes; and Kosala Perera, an HR consultant, who discussed employment policies in the UK.
Mahadiulwewa also shared details of the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), a duty-free opportunity announced by UK authorities in June 2023, which Sri Lankan exporters can leverage to access the UK market. Additionally, he outlined regulations concerning product labeling, food, and other product standards, offering valuable insights to aspiring exporters.
During the Q&A session, Mahadiulwewa presented a list of existing and potential export items from Sri Lanka to the UK, along with investment and tourism opportunities available in Sri Lanka.
The interactive event saw participation from 30 Lankan entrepreneurs, with discussions conducted in Sinhala, Tamil, and English. The next Sri Lanka Business Promotion Dialogue is scheduled to take place in Manchester in April 2025, promising to extend support to more Lankan entrepreneurs across the UK.
Business
Platform Daddy wins Best Strategic Digital Marketing Brand of the Year Award

Platform Daddy Pvt. Ltd has been awarded as the Best Strategic Digital Marketing Brand of the Year at the Pinnacle Sri Lanka Awards 2024. The award ceremony was held at Taj Samudra Hotel in Colombo, and company’s Chief Executive Officer, Nirmal Danansooriya received the award from former Speaker of Parliament, Sri Lankabhimanya, Karu Jayasuriya.
Beyond business, Platform Daddy remains committed to social impact. The Platform Buddy Foundation provides care, shelter, and medical support for street dogs, while the Platform Tree Foundation focuses on urban greening and environmental sustainability, with 5% of company earnings dedicated to these causes. The company has previously been honoured at several local and international award ceremonies such as the Asia Miracle Awards, the Iconic Awards, and the People’s Excellency Awards, said a release.
Business
Tourism Malaysia launches sales mission to strengthen ties with Lankan market

Tourism Malaysia is excited to announce the launch of its Sales Mission in Colombo, aimed at revitalizing its presence and strengthening its relationship with the Sri Lankan tourism market. This initiative follows a remarkable 122% increase in Sri Lankan tourists to Malaysia, with 58,015 visitors in 2024 compared to just 26,058 in 2019, prior to the pandemic.
The mission emphasizes Malaysia’s potential as a key travel destination for Sri Lankans, highlighted by 30 weekly flights from Colombo, offering a seat capacity of 4,990. Hishamuddin Mustafa, Director of Tourism Malaysia Chennai (South India & Sri Lanka), stated, “We are here to reconnect with local industry players, express our gratitude for their support, and explore new opportunities for collaboration. The participation of 45 Malaysian sellers in this mission further demonstrates our commitment to strengthening Malaysia’s presence in the Sri Lankan market.”
With Visit Malaysia Year 2026 on the horizon, the goal is to attract 100,000 Sri Lankan travelers.
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