CEAT Kelani Holdings has earned the title of Best Tyre Manufacturer in the ‘Component Manufacturer’ category at Sri Lanka’s first Automobile Industry Awards, organized by the Automobile Industry Council (AIC). This accolade highlights the company’s prominent role in the rapidly developing vehicle assembly industry in the country.
The awards ceremony took place at Temple Trees, attended by various government officials, industry leaders, and stakeholders from Sri Lanka’s automotive sector. The event aims to create a national platform for recognizing excellence, innovation, and sustainability within the industry, assessing performance based on technology, market impact, customer satisfaction, and leadership.
CEAT Kelani’s award underscores its significant share in the Original Equipment (OE) tyre market, where it provides tyres for over 90% of vehicles assembled in Sri Lanka. Since entering the local vehicle assembly sector in 2012 with its initial OE tyre supply, CEAT has quickly become the tyre supplier of choice for assemblers, delivering more than 150,000 OE tyres annually for various vehicle types, including cars, SUVs, motorcycles, scooters, buses, and commercial vehicles.
Currently, CEAT tyres are installed as original equipment on over 30 vehicle models produced locally, covering 11 international brands. This extensive presence highlights the trust in the quality, consistency, and performance of CEAT’s products.
The company further solidifies its leadership position by achieving IATF 16949:2016 certification, becoming the first tyre manufacturer in Sri Lanka to obtain this internationally recognized automotive quality standard. This certification confirms CEAT Kelani’s ability to fulfill the rigorous demands of global automotive OEMs while enhancing supply chain efficiency and reliability.
Tyres supplied by CEAT to vehicle manufacturers undergo stringent validation processes, showing excellent performance in crucial areas such as safety, durability, braking efficiency, ride comfort, and noise reduction. Features like low rolling resistance and minimal vibration enhance driving efficiency and the overall user experience, aligning with global standards for modern mobility solutions.
In addition to its industrial contributions, CEAT Kelani plays a vital role in the national economy. By producing tyres locally, the company aids in conserving foreign exchange through import substitution and sources 100% of its natural rubber from domestic suppliers, benefiting over 10,000 rubber farming families.
The Automobile Industry Council, which represents Sri Lanka’s automotive sector, was established with the collaboration of key government ministries and operates as a private-sector-led, non-profit organization. Its mission is to promote sustainable growth, enhance industry competitiveness, and foster collaboration between public and private entities.
The inaugural awards ceremony is part of the Council’s larger initiative to advocate for global best practices, stimulate innovation, promote sustainability, and improve governance standards in the industry, thereby positioning Sri Lanka’s vehicle assembly sector for future growth.
CEAT Kelani’s recognition as the Best Tyre Manufacturer at this significant event confirms its essential role in bolstering the automobile industry in the country and its ongoing dedication to delivering high-quality products tailored to both local and international markets.
As the leading tyre brand in Sri Lanka, CEAT sells over 1.2 million tyres each year, trusted by millions of drivers. The brand also has a presence in more than 110 countries, including the United States and Europe, enhancing its reputation as a globally competitive manufacturer with strong local roots.
Ranked as Sri Lanka’s most valuable tyre brand by Brand Finance and recognized as the ‘Most Loved Tyre Brand’ in 2025 and 2026 by LMD, CEAT Kelani’s ascent to market leadership is fueled by continuous investments in technology, innovation, and production capacity. Their manufacturing operations encompass tyres for passenger vehicles, vans, SUVs, commercial vehicles, motorcycles, three-wheelers, and agricultural vehicles.
CEAT Kelani fulfills approximately half of Sri Lanka’s automotive tyre demand and exports around 20% of its production to 16 different countries. Over the past decade, the company has invested more than Rs. 8.5 billion in Sri Lanka and recently pledged an additional Rs. 4.5 billion, reinforcing its status as a significant contributor to the national economy and a reliable partner in the transport sector.
Photo caption: CEAT Kelani General Manager – Institutional Sales & OE Mr. Indika Ellepola and the CEAT Kelani team receive the award from the Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Hon. Sunil Handunneththi, alongside the Chairman of the Automobile Industry Council Mr. Ravith Silva and other dignitaries.
Source: Financial Chronicle Biz English | Sri Lanka Business News.
