Business
CEAT Kelani debuts new locally-made Truck Bus Radial for transport sector
The CEAT Winmile X3 AW is a Truck Bus Radial (TBR) in the 295/80 R22.5 TL size, making it an ideal replacement tyre for heavy trucks including prime movers, fuel bowsers, bulk cement carriers, other large goods transport vehicles and passenger transport buses plying Sri Lanka’s roads, the Company said.
Launched as part of CEAT Kelani’s continuing commitment to support the national effort to reduce dependence on imports and conserve foreign exchange, the CEAT Winmile X3 AW will fit commercial vehicles such as the Renault 460 DXI, DAF XF 105/510, Tantri TBK 43, MAN PGS 440, Isuzu Giga Truck Mixer, UD Nissan Prime Mover, DAF CF 321 Dynamic 33,000 litre fuel tank and cement carriers and passenger bus models of brands such as Lanka Ashok Leyland, Yutong and King Long.
Backed by a three-year warranty from the date of manufacture, the new truck bus radial tyre is designed to deliver extra mileage and better performance in Sri Lankan conditions, the Company said. Zig-zag grooves and sipes reduce irregular wear and improve tyre life, helping increase traction in new as well as worn tyre conditions.
A groove base protector in the center and shoulder of the tyre defend against stone drilling and damage for enhanced off-highway durability. The high bonding belt compound used translates to excellent belt durability and retreadability, while an optimised tread design and cooler tread compound provide high abrasion resistance for extra mileage as well as cut and chip resistance.
“This is a premium product in the TBR segment and reflects the depth of our understanding of the needs of the transportation sector in Sri Lanka and our continuing commitment to new product development despite the challenges in the market,” CEAT Kelani Managing Director Mr Ravi Dadlani said. “With costs of operation rising across the board for our commercial tyre customers, the need for competitively priced products engineered to meet or exceed the performance parameters of imports has never been as acute, and we are meeting this need with our Winmile range of tyres.”
The CEAT Winmile AW tyres are the only Truck Bus Radial tyres produced in Sri Lanka. The result of a phased execution of a Rs 3 billion investment begun by the Company four years ago to expand product range, capacity and quality across multiple tyre categories, CEAT Kelani’s ground-breaking TBR production facility commenced production in April 2019 and has the capacity to supply 50% of the country’s current requirement of truck bus radials.
The manufacturer of nearly half of Sri Lanka’s pneumatic tyre requirements, CEAT Sri Lanka is considered one of the most successful India – Sri Lanka joint ventures. The joint venture’s cumulative investment in Sri Lanka to date exceeds Rs 8 billion. The company’s manufacturing operations in Sri Lanka encompass tyres in the radial (passenger cars, vans and SUVs), commercial (nylon and radial), motorcycle, three-wheeler and agricultural vehicle segments.
The CEAT brand accounts for market shares in Sri Lanka of 48 per cent in the Radial segment, 80 per cent in the Truck category, 84 per cent Light Truck tyre category, 51 per cent in the Three-Wheeler tyre segment, 36 per cent in the Motorcycle tyre segment and 72 per cent in the Agricultural vehicle tyre category. CEAT Sri Lanka exports about 20 per cent of its production to 16 countries in South Asia, the Middle East, Africa and the Far East.
Business
AHK Sri Lanka champions first-ever Sri Lankan delegation at Drupa 2024
The Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) proudly facilitated the first-ever Sri Lankan delegation’s participation at Drupa 2024, the world’s largest trade fair for the printing industry and technology. Held after an eight-year hiatus, Drupa 2024 was a landmark event, marking significant advancements and opportunities in the global printing industry.
AHK Sri Lanka played a pivotal role in organising and supporting the delegation, which comprised 17 members from the Sri Lanka Association for Printers (SLAP), representing eight companies from the commercial, newspaper, stationery printing, and packaging industries. This pioneering effort by AHK Sri Lanka not only showcased the diverse capabilities of Sri Lanka’s printing sector but also facilitated vital bilateral discussions with key stakeholders from the German printing industry.
Business
Unveiling Ayugiri: Browns Hotels & Resorts sets the stage for a new era in luxury Ayurveda Wellness
In a captivating reimagining of luxury wellness tourism, Browns Hotels & Resorts proudly unveiled the exquisite Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya. This momentous occasion, celebrated amidst a vibrant and serene grand opening on the 6th of June, heralds a new chapter in the Ayurveda wellness tourism landscape in Sri Lanka. Nestled amidst 54 acres of unspoiled natural splendour, Ayugiri features 22 exclusive suites and stands out as the only luxury Ayurveda wellness resort in the country offering plunge pools in every room, rendering it truly one-of-a-kind.
The grand opening of Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort was an enchanting event, where guests were captivated by the melodies of flutists and violinists resonating through Sigiriya’s lush landscapes. As traditional drummers and dancers infused the air with vibrant energy, Browns Hotels & Resorts’ CEO, Eksath Wijeratne, Kotaro Katsuki, Acting Ambassador for the Embassy of Japan and General Manager, Buwaneka Bandara, unveiled the resort’s new logo, marking a significant moment witnessed by distinguished guests from the French Embassy, Ayurveda and wellness enthusiasts along with officials from the Sigiriya area, LOLC Holdings and Browns Group.
“Our strategic expansion into wellness tourism with Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya symbolises a significant milestone for Browns Hotels & Resorts. Wellness tourism has consistently outperformed the overall tourism industry for over a decade, reflecting a growing global interest in travel that goes beyond leisure to offer rejuvenation and holistic well-being. By integrating the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda with modern luxury, we aim to set a new standard in luxury wellness tourism in Sri Lanka. Whether your goal is prevention, healing, or a deeper connection to inner harmony, Ayugiri offers a sanctuary for holistic well-being” stated Eksath Wijeratne.
Ayugiri encapsulates the essence of life, inspired by the lotus flower held by the graceful queens of the infamous Sigiriya frescoes. Just as the lotus emerges from the murky depths, untainted and serene,
Ayugiri invites guests on a journey of purity and rejuvenation, harmonised with a balance of mind, body and spirit, the essence of nature, echoes of culture and the wisdom of ancient Ayurvedic healing.
Business
HNB General Insurance recognized as Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024
HNB General Insurance, one of Sri Lanka’s leading general insurance providers, has been honored as the Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024 by the prestigious Global Banking and Finance Review – UK.
The esteemed accolade underscores HNB General Insurance’s unwavering commitment to excellence and its outstanding performance in the field of bancassurance. Through dedication and hard work, the HNB General Insurance team has continuously endeavored to deliver innovative insurance solutions, cultivate strong relationships with banking partners, and provide unparalleled service to customers nationwide. This recognition is a testament to the team’s dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence in the bancassurance business.
“We are honored to receive this prestigious award, which reflects our team’s tireless efforts and dedication to delivering value-added insurance solutions and exceptional service through our bancassurance partnerships,” said Sithumina Jayasundara, CEO of HNB General Insurance. “This recognition reaffirms our position as a trusted insurance provider in Sri Lanka and motivates us to continue striving for excellence in serving our customers and communities.”