AMARON, seen as one of South Asia’s powerhouse battery manufacturers, is quietly redefining Sri Lanka’s automotive battery market. With a strong presence in the four-wheeler battery category and over 600 dealers countrywide, the Indian-headquartered company is fast emerging as a premium brand that competes not on price, but on performance, reliability and vision, AMARON sources said.

Samudhi Trading Company (Pvt) Ltd, the authorized distributor of AMARON automotive batteries in Sri Lanka, marked a major milestone in its partnership with Amara Raja Energy and Mobility Limited, one of India’s leading battery manufacturers, celebrating 20 years of collaboration and growth.

“When we say we’re a premium brand, we mean premium in terms of quality—not just the price, said a senior company representative, responding to questions on how Amara Raja compares with other battery brands in Sri Lanka. “Our product speaks for itself. You cannot market your way into this position unless your product delivers real performance, Harshavardhana Gourineni, Executive Director, AMARON told The Island Financial Review.

Samudhi Trading Company chairman and Managing Director Gamini Rathnayake said, “While building a strong distribution channel, we have built a brand legacy over the last two decades that continues to deliver value and performance to customers across Sri Lanka. Our partnership with Amara Raja is rooted in shared values, long-term commitment and a vision to redefine energy solutions for Sri Lanka’s evolving mobility needs. We have successfully made AMARON one of Sri Lanka’s most trusted battery brands through consistency, customer focus, and deep market insight. We look ahead to lead the next phase of growth by expanding our portfolio, elevating service standards, and setting the benchmark for automotive energy solutions in Sri Lanka.”

Gourineni also said, “Sri Lanka has been a key market in our international growth journey, and Samudhi has been instrumental in unlocking that potential. Over the past two decades, our partnership has delivered not just strong market performance, but also a shared vision for innovation, reliability, and customer-first service. As we enter this next phase, we are fully committed to supporting Samudhi in taking AMARON to market leadership and in setting new benchmarks for quality and trust in the region.”

He also said that with significant penetration in India—especially in Delhi—and 40% market share in Singapore, the Group has become a trusted name across the region. In Sri Lanka, it has positioned itself as a leader in the four-wheeler category but is also showing strong performance in other segments. This wide appeal is backed by a robust after-sales support system that includes roadside assistance provided through a fleet of three-wheelers and motorbikes distributed to local dealers.

The company is also gearing up to launch a new “Wild Service” app that will offer real-time, seamless after-sales support. “Technology will bridge the last-mile gap in customer experience,” one official said. “We want to be reachable at the push of a button.”

“Sri Lanka’s evolving automotive landscape presents both challenges and opportunities. On one end of the spectrum, there’s a large demand for low-cost batteries for three-wheelers and small vehicles. On the other end, the rise of hybrids—and the eventual arrival of full EVs—requires high-performance battery solutions, informed sources said.

The Group is investing heavily in catering to both segments. “We’re working on products that serve the extreme low-cost requirement while also preparing for high-end hybrid demands, explained Rajesh, a senior executive. “As EVs evolve from an initial stage to maturity in the Sri Lankan market, we will be ready.”

By Ifham Nizam

Dialog Axiata PLC, Sri Lanka’s #1 connectivity provider, has once again been crowned by LMD as the Most Loved Service Brand and the Most Loved Telecommunication Brand in Sri Lanka for 2025, reaffirming its commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences and building enduring emotional connections through innovation and reliability.

This consecutive win marks the second year Dialog has secured the top spot in both categories, following its dual recognition in 2024. The accolades were based on an independent study conducted by PepperCube Consultants and commissioned by LMD, where a balanced demographic of 400 readers from across Sri Lanka cast their votes. The survey, which featured respondents from provinces including Western, Southern, Central, North-Western, and Northern, identified the brands that best resonated with readers based on trust, loyalty, and brand affinity.

“To be recognised as Sri Lanka’s most loved brand for two consecutive years is a tremendous honour,” said Lasantha Theverapperuma, Group Chief Marketing Officer of Dialog Axiata PLC. “This achievement reflects the passion and purpose that drive us to deliver inclusive, future-ready connectivity and digital services, enriching the lives of millions across our nation.”

Sarvodaya Development Finance PLC (SDF), Sri Lanka’s fastest-growing licensed finance company, has announced a record-breaking financial performance for the fiscal year 2024/25, underscoring its commitment to sustainable growth, rural development, inclusive finance, and agri-business empowerment. Surpassing several industry benchmarks, SDF’s achievement reflects a values-based business model calibrated for social impact, strategic clarity, and operational discipline—all in the context of a gradually stabilizing national economy.

In a year marked by macroeconomic recalibration and cautious optimism, SDF achieved its highest-ever profitability, with Profit Before Tax amplifying doubling to LKR 1,139 million and Profit After Tax climbing 89.8% to LKR 473.8 million. This exceptional performance was anchored by a diversified and resilient lending portfolio, strong risk oversight, and sharpened efficiency across operations.

Key financial indicators tell the story: Total Income stood at LKR 4.37 billion (↑31.5%), Net Interest Income at LKR 2.64 billion (↑48.3%), and Total Operating Income at LKR 2.95 billion (↑47.2%). The cost-to-income ratio improved to 46.5%, down from 53.9%, and total assets

surged to LKR 22.5 billion (↑51.3%). SDF’s Net Asset Value per Share rose to LKR 26.36 from LKR 23.87, reinforcing a track record of uninterrupted dividend declarations and deep-rooted financial governance.

SDF was ranked the top performer in Category 4 (institutions with assets below Rs. 20 billion) by K Seeds Investments Ltd.—a title it claimed just before ascending into a higher asset class. This accolade validates the company’s prudent risk management and its leadership’s capacity to translate purpose into performance. Capital buffers remained robust, with Tier 1 and Total Capital Adequacy Ratios well above minimum thresholds.

At the heart of this financial momentum is a philosophy that transcends numbers. SDF’s continued rural outreach, Agri-Entrepreneurship Forums, cross-border knowledge transfers with India and Thailand, and tools such as drip irrigation financing and greenhouse development loans, signify a bold commitment to grassroots economic transformation.