Category: Daily Financial Times

Two inmates were killed and 35 others injured after a violent clash between rival inmate groups at the Negombo Prison yesterday, prompting rooftop protests by prisoners and a major security operation involving the Police Special Task Force (STF) and riot control units.

Prison authorities said the injured were admitted to the Negombo General Hospital, where two inmates succumbed to their injuries. Two other critically injured prisoners were later transferred to the National Hospital in Colombo for specialised treatment.

Police alleged the violence was orchestrated by an inmate identified as Suresh, described as a drug trafficker with close links to an organised crime figure known as ‘Buru Moona.’ Preliminary investigations indicate the clash was triggered by a dispute over the exposure of a drug trafficking operation within the Prison.

Negombo Prison, which houses both remand prisoners and short-term convicts, accommodates nearly 1,800 inmates. According to Police, the confrontation between two rival inmate groups quickly escalated, with rioting prisoners forcing open high-security cells and assaulting inmates held inside.

Investigators also alleged that another group of inmates broke into the prison dispensary and consumed excessive quantities of painkillers in an apparent attempt to become intoxicated during the unrest.

The violence subsequently spread to other sections of the Prison, with a group of female inmates climbing onto the roof in protest. A separate group of male inmates also staged a rooftop demonstration.

Outside the Prison, relatives of inmates gathered demanding information on the condition of those inside, accusing authorities of failing to provide updates. Police later facilitated visits for a group of relatives to see injured inmates receiving treatment at the Negombo General Hospital.

Police officers from Negombo and surrounding stations, supported by the STF and riot control units, were deployed to restore order and reinforce security at the Prison. Authorities said security personnel remain stationed inside and around the prison while investigations into the incident continue.

Main Opposition party, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Dayasiri Jayasekara said he has temporarily stepped away from Facebook, saying the platform has become unproductive, while alleging that the Government is systematically targeting Opposition politicians.

He made the remarks in response to questions over his earlier comments on the possibility of toppling the Government by joining forces with what he described as ‘thieves and robbers.’

‘I don’t go on Facebook because it’s full of fools. It is not a battleground where intelligent people fight. That’s why I don’t go there or even look at it,’ Jayasekara said.

The MP also claimed that the Government was arresting various individuals and attempting to discredit Opposition members by branding them with allegations ranging from racism and theft to drug-related offences and even terrorism.

Jayasekara argued that such allegations were being used to tarnish the reputations of politicians and questioned who would restore their names if the accusations were later found to be unfounded.

He also alleged that members of the joint Opposition were all being drawn into the same narrative, making it increasingly difficult for them to function effectively as an opposition.

Fresh from delivering record tax collections in 2025 and on course to exceed revenue targets again this year, the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) came under sustained criticism from leading private sector tax professionals at the CA Sri Lanka 5th Annual Economic and Tax Symposium over what they described as an expanding role in policymaking and tax interpretation.

The Department was accused of straying beyond its role as tax administrator by shaping policy, issuing opaque interpretations of tax laws, and fostering an administrative culture that undermines certainty for taxpayers. Speakers also pointed to poor taxpayer service, delayed refunds, and inconsistent administrative practices, urging the country’s premier accounting body, CA Sri Lanka, to press more forcefully for reform.

Their concerns extended beyond administrative shortcomings to what they saw as a broader institutional shift in the relationship between Parliament, policymakers, and the tax authority, warning that predictable administration, rather than even more legislation, would do more to improve compliance and strengthen Sri Lanka’s investment climate.

John Keells Group Head of Corporate Structuring, Strategic Tax and Social Entrepreneurship Nisreen Rehmanjee warned that policymaking was increasingly being delegated to the IRD, blurring the distinction between Parliament’s role in making tax law and the Department’s responsibility for administering it.

‘That is a very dangerous journey we are going into because administration and policy has to be different. It has to be separate because administrators, for good or bad, their focus is going to be collection of taxes. Policy will have to set the framework within which they want it operating,’ she said.

Rehmanjee argued that the problem extended beyond delegated powers. Policymakers, she said, had become increasingly reluctant to clarify legislative intent independently of the IRD, while the Department’s legal interpretations remained largely opaque.

‘There is a huge secrecy behind how different provisions are interpreted because it allows them to interpret differently for different taxpayers,’ she said, calling for the publication of anonymised private rulings, official interpretations, and the Department’s position on Court decisions to provide greater certainty for taxpayers.

She said the lack of accountability was also evident in the administrative review process, where legal grounds were sometimes altered after assessments had already been issued despite judicial rulings discouraging such practices.

‘We have had instances where a source of income itself has been changed in the administrative review stage which was never an issue of contention when the assessment was raised,’ she said.

Arguing that such practices went well beyond individual tax disputes, Rehmanjee urged CA Sri Lanka to take a stronger public position.

‘I think the Institute has to make a huge noise about some of these things that are happening and bring it out into the public domain. It’s not only about the taxpayer who is not paying taxes and we have to obviously go and collect them. These kind of things are very scary,’ she said.

Gajma and Co. Senior Partner N.R. Gajendran said Sri Lanka’s biggest weakness lay not in its tax laws but in how they were administered.

‘We don’t want to change any laws. Our laws are good or bad, it’s okay. If you have bad laws, it has to be a good administration. End of the day, it’s the administration that will lead the way,’ he said.

He also questioned the Government’s emphasis on record tax collections, arguing that higher revenues had come largely from imposing a heavier burden on existing taxpayers rather than widening the tax base.

‘When taxes become excessive and unbearable, and it is not coming from the widening of the base, it is coming from the same taxpayer, it erodes expenditure capabilities, it erodes saving capabilities, and it erodes investment capabilities,’ he warned, arguing that sustained over-taxation ultimately weakens consumption, investment, and long-term economic growth.

Gajendran said taxpayer protections deserved the same prominence as revenue mobilisation.

‘Why don’t you have a session on broadening taxpayer rights and protection? Are we now only focused on tax collection? You have compromised everything else. Where is the growth?’ he asked.

He was equally critical of the Department’s handling of refunds and dispute resolution, saying delayed refunds and an increasingly risk-averse administrative culture were fuelling unnecessary litigation.

‘If there is a refund, first do the refund and then start doing it. No one makes a decision,’ he said, arguing that officers conducting administrative reviews should be empowered to determine cases independently instead of allowing matters to become trapped in multiple layers of internal approvals.

Ranaweera Associates Managing Partner Athula Ranaweera said improving compliance begins with strengthening the tax administration itself.

Many taxpayers wanted to comply voluntarily, he said, but were often frustrated by inconsistent technical guidance from the Department.

‘Most of the tax administrators are having lack of knowledge in technical things and the practical application of the law. If you go to two officials, those two may be having two different views,’ Ranaweera said, urging the Government to invest part of its increased tax revenue in strengthening the technical capability of IRD officials while expanding taxpayer education through the Department and professional bodies.

Helakuru Founder and Bhasha CEO Dhanika Perera shifted the discussion from governance to reform, arguing that technology should simplify compliance rather than merely digitise existing bureaucracy.

He proposed a taxpayer-centric online platform enabling individuals to register, file returns, and make payments more easily, the integration of payment systems with existing point-of-sale infrastructure through open Application Programing Interfaces (APIs) instead of requiring businesses to invest in new systems, and wider use of artificial intelligence (AI) to strengthen taxpayer services and compliance monitoring.

Perera added that Sri Lanka already possessed the legal framework to support digital records and transactions, but administrative procedures had yet to catch up. Modernisation, he said, should focus on making tax compliance simpler, faster, and more transparent for taxpayers and the Department alike.

Sri Lanka’s golfing fraternity will witness a historic milestone with the staging of the inaugural E-Wis Championship 2026, the first official championship of the newly established Professional Golf Tour Sri Lanka (PGTSL). The tournament will be held at the award-winning Victoria Golf and Country Resort, Digana, from 7-9 July, with the official practice round scheduled for today (6).

The championship marks a united national initiative by Sri Lanka’s professional golfers to develop professional golf, create structured playing opportunities, raise tournament standards, and position Sri Lanka as an emerging golfing destination in the region.

For decades, Sri Lanka’s professional golfers have represented the country with distinction across the Professional Golf Tour of India, Asian circuits, and other international competitions. Despite these achievements, there has been no dedicated national platform to formally recognise and develop professional golf within Sri Lanka.

The formation of the PGTSL seeks to address this gap by creating a structured pathway for professional competition, player development, and long-term growth of the sport.

The initiative has been driven by Sri Lanka’s senior professional golfers, supported by professionals across the country, united by a shared vision to elevate the standard and visibility of professional golf. Leading professionals supporting this initiative include Anura Rohana, Mithun Perera, N. Thangaraja, K. Prabagaran, and several other accomplished Sri Lankan golfers who have excelled on regional and international tours.

Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) professional Jehan De Saram also played an important role in bringing together the country’s professional golfing community and helping shape the early framework of the PGTSL, reflecting the collaborative spirit behind the initiative.

The inaugural championship is made possible through the support of E-Wis, which serves as the Title Sponsor of the E-Wis Championship 2026.

E-Wis Chairman Sanjeewa Wickramanayake highlighted the importance of recognising Sri Lanka’s professional golfers.

‘Sri Lanka has a small but highly talented group of professional golfers who have brought pride to the country through their performances over many years. This initiative provides a long-overdue platform to recognise and support them. E-Wis is proud to partner with PGTSL in this historic step forward,’ he said.

He also said that the championship has wider development potential.

‘The E-Wis Championship 2026 will feature both professional and amateur golfers and has the potential to grow into a structured national tour, attract regional participation, and contribute to sports tourism and golf development in Sri Lanka,’ he said.

The championship will be contested over four days, including the practice round, bringing together Sri Lanka’s leading professionals and amateur players on one of Asia’s most scenic and challenging golf courses. The event represents not only high-level competition but also a celebration of unity, professionalism, and progress in Sri Lankan golf.

The launch of the PGTSL also aligns with a broader vision to position Sri Lanka as a world-class golfing destination, leveraging its championship courses, natural landscapes, and growing tourism sector to attract regional tournaments and international players.

As Sri Lanka’s professional golfers unite under a common platform for the first time, the E-Wis Championship 2026 stands as more than a tournament-it marks the beginning of a new era aimed at developing talent, elevating standards, and placing Sri Lanka firmly on the international golfing map.

Singer Finance (Lanka) PLC yesterday announced that its total asset base had exceeded Rs. 100 billion during the first quarter of the 2026/27 financial year, marking a key milestone in the company’s growth.

The company said the achievement was based on its unaudited management accounts for the quarter. Managing Director Thushan Amarasuriya said: ‘The Board of Directors and Management take this opportunity to express its gratitude to all stakeholders for their continued trust and support’.

HayWind One Ltd., the wind energy arm of Hayleys Fentons Ltd., has announced that all ten wind turbines for its 50MW Mannar Wind Farm Project have now arrived in Sri Lanka, marking a key milestone as the project advances into its peak construction and installation phase.

Following the arrival of the first shipment of five turbines at Trincomalee Port in May, all ten turbines manufactured by Envision Energy Technology Pte Ltd have now been received in the country. The project comprises 5MW wind turbines featuring 110-metre-high towers and 76-metre-long blades, making it one of the most significant single-site wind energy installations undertaken in Sri Lanka to date.

The transportation of components from Trincomalee Port to the Mannar project site has been underway, with logistical support provided by the project logistics division of Hayleys Advantis Limited. With the full consignment now in-country, HayWind is firmly in the advanced execution phase of the project, with large-scale installation preparations and commissioning readiness activities now intensifying on site.

Once operational, the wind farm will add 50MW of renewable energy capacity to the national grid, delivering cumulative savings of approximately Rs. 100 billion in imported fossil fuel costs over its 20-year lifecycle. The project will also contribute to foreign exchange conservation, local employment generation, skills development, and Sri Lanka’s broader climate and energy transition objectives.

Hayleys Fentons Managing Director Hasith Prematillake said, ‘The arrival of all wind turbine components marks a defining step forward in Sri Lanka’s transition toward diversified renewable energy. Beyond its scale, this project reflects our ability to compete and win at an international level while retaining critical value within the country. More importantly, it demonstrates the strength of local engineering capability in delivering complex infrastructure through Sri Lankan expertise. We look forward to energising this important plant by December 2026.’

Hayleys Fentons Deputy Managing Director – Energy added: ‘Getting all ten turbines safely into the country is a major logistical achievement, but what excites us most is what comes next. Our teams are already progressing the civil works at Mannar, and having the full fleet on hand allows us to move into installation with confidence. This project is being delivered by Sri Lankan engineers, and that is exactly the kind of capability we want to keep building in this sector.’

Hayleys Fentons Ltd., has firmly established its leadership in Sri Lanka’s renewable energy sector through the proven track record of its solar arm, Hayleys Solar. With the Mannar Wind Farm, the company is now extending that same demonstrated capability into wind energy through HayWind One Limited, reaffirming its position as Sri Lanka’s foremost diversified renewable energy leader.

HayWind, the wind energy arm of Hayleys Fentons Ltd., focuses on delivering large-scale wind power solutions for government and utility-scale projects. With a strong emphasis on sustainability, innovation, and engineering excellence, HayWind supports Sri Lanka’s transition to clean energy by developing reliable, future-ready wind energy infrastructure.

For generations, Sri Lankan rugby has been celebrated through thrilling action on the field.

Yet, alongside the players, there has always been another group of individuals who have enriched the experience for thousands of rugby fans -the commentators. Their words have preserved unforgettable moments, educated newcomers to the game, and added colour, emotion and history to every contest.

For those who grew up following schools rugby in the 1960s and 1970s, few names evoke greater nostalgia than the legendary Bob Harvie.

His memorable commentary of Trinity College’s dramatic 1971 Bradby Shield heroics, led by the inspirational Sam Samarasekara, remains one of the defining broadcasts in Sri Lankan rugby. It is understood that transcripts of those commentaries are preserved within the Trinity College archives, standing as valuable historical records of one of the commentator’s greatest chapters. This is all the more significant as records of that era are scarce.

Bob Harvie represented an era when commentary was as much an art as it was a description of play. His ability to capture the rhythm of the game and the emotion of the occasion elevated rugby broadcasting to another level. If one reads that article from Trinity archives one would know how much life is there in that commentary. Any simple Sri Lankan interested in Sri Lankan literature who reads Vijayaba Kollaya will get so emotional to realise the commitment of the Lankan soldier against the Portuguese invader as a live commentary. Bob Harvie makes that commentary a live game in an era where SLBC was the only media available. As much as Vijayaba Kollaya describes the war against the Portuguese this commentator Bob Harvie describes the heroics of the Trinity captain of that year. The transcript alone gives goose bumps!! Sam Samarasekara heroics are extra ordinary that season.

He was followed by a distinguished generation of commentators including Chandrishan Perera, Ajith Abeyratne, S. W. Chang and Dr. Maiya Gunasekara. Each brought a unique style to the microphone.

Chandrishan Perera combined eloquence with an intimate understanding of the game as one of the greatest three quarters of that era.

Ajith Abeyratne’s voice became synonymous with many memorable school and club encounters.

S. W. Chang continues to grace the commentary box even today, demonstrating remarkable longevity and passion for the sport.

Dr. Maiya Gunasekara, respected both within rugby circles and the medical profession, continues to provide insightful expert analysis, enriching broadcasts with tactical observations and technical understanding.

Every generation has been fortunate to inherit commentators who understood that their role extended beyond merely reporting the game. They became teachers, historians and ambassadors for rugby.

Digital revolution and thepapare.com

Today, the digital revolution has transformed sports broadcasting. Live streaming and YouTube have made Sri Lankan school rugby accessible not only across the island but also to thousands of old boys and rugby enthusiasts living overseas. A Bradby Shield encounter or an inter-school league fixture can now be watched simultaneously in Colombo, Melbourne, London, Toronto and Dubai.

This transformation owes much to pioneering digital rugby platforms. Among them, BoaAthu’s Straight Up Rugby has established itself as a thoughtful voice in rugby discussion, offering previews, reviews, player interviews and informed debate. Equally commendable is the London-based rugby community in the vernacular that has a wider reach, whose podcasts and online discussions have helped maintain strong links between expatriate Sri Lankan rugby followers and the local game.

However, no organisation has done more to revolutionise rugby broadcasting in Sri Lanka than ThePapare. Through professional live coverage, multiple camera angles, statistics, highlights, feature programmes and extensive digital distribution, ThePapare has brought schools rugby into a new era, making matches accessible to audiences worldwide.

Central to that success has been its talented panel of commentators.

Shanaka Amarasinghe has become one of the most recognisable voices in Sri Lankan sports broadcasting. His command of English, smooth delivery and ability to build excitement without overwhelming the game have earned him widespread appreciation. He possesses the rare skill of explaining complex passages of rugby in a manner that engages both seasoned followers and first-time viewers. Down side!! No longer is Shanaka the S Thomas rugby captain. He represents the wider rugby community.

Alongside him, Abdella has emerged as a dependable broadcaster, combining clarity with an evident passion for the game. Absolutely independent he gives a balanced commentary of the game far superseding Shanaka.

Together with the wider Papare commentary team, they have developed a professional broadcasting culture that compares favourably with international sports coverage. Abdella is a cut above the rest. Despite his allegiances he is independent.

Behind every successful broadcast lies countless hours of preparation. Commentators study team sheets, research player backgrounds, understand tactical systems, verify statistics and familiarise themselves with school traditions before stepping into the commentary box. The best commentators make this preparation invisible, allowing viewers simply to enjoy the game while benefiting from their knowledge.

Good commentary

Good commentary does more than describe what is happening. It tells the story behind the match. It explains why a defensive pattern succeeds, why a captain chooses touch instead of goal, how rivalries have evolved over decades, and why certain fixtures carry emotional significance far beyond seventy minutes.

As Sri Lankan schools rugby continues to flourish, the contribution of its commentators deserves greater recognition. Their voices have become part of our sporting memory. Long after the final whistle has blown, it is often a commentator’s words that remain etched in the minds of supporters.

Players create the moments. Commentators preserve them for posterity.

From the unforgettable broadcasts of Bob Harvie to the distinguished voices of Chandrishan Perera, Ajith Abeyratne, S. W. Chang and Dr. Maiya Gunasekara, and now to the dynamic digital era led by BoaAthu, the overseas rugby community and the dedicated commentary panel at ThePapare, Sri Lankan rugby has been blessed with storytellers who have brought the game to life.

As another generation of young players write new chapters in the history of schools rugby, it is comforting to know that there will always be voices ready to ensure those moments are remembered-not merely as scores and statistics, but as stories that inspire future generations.

Dialog Axiata PLC, has continued its long-standing support of Sri Lanka’s para sports community as the principal sponsor of the 2026 National Open Para Athletics Championship, marking 26 years of partnership with the country’s para sports movement.

The championship concluded with the Sri Lanka Army winning the men’s title, while the women’s joint championship was shared by the Vanni Rehabilitation Organisation for the Differently Abled (VAROD) and the Ratmalana Blind School.

Among the standout performances at the championship, Paralympic medallist Samitha Dulan was named Best Male Athlete after securing gold in the F64 javelin throw event with a distance of 62.46 metres. Janani Dhananjana was named Best Female Athlete after recording a winning leap of 5.38 metres in the T47 long jump event.

Held on 13 and 14 June at the Mahinda Rajapaksa Stadium in Diyagama, the 2026 National Open Para Athletics Championship also served as a selection trial for athletes seeking qualification for the Asian Para Games scheduled to be held in Japan in October. The championship witnessed the establishment of 10 new meet records in the men’s category and 10 new meet records in the women’s category.

Dialog Axiata PLC has remained committed to the development and advancement of para sports in Sri Lanka and has continuously supported the para athlete community for 26 years, serving as the principal sponsor of the country’s para sports movement throughout this period.

National Paralympic Committee of Sri Lanka President Dhananjaya Aludeniya said: ‘Although there is a significant population of persons with disabilities in Sri Lanka, only a limited number actively participate in competitive society. These para sporting events provide an important platform for inclusion and participation. For approximately 26 years, Dialog has remained by our side as our principal sponsor. We are deeply grateful for the support extended by Dialog, which has enabled our athletes not only to showcase their talents at the national level but also to excel on international stages.’

Dialog Axiata PLC Vice President – Group Marketing Harsha Samaranayake said: ‘It is important that para athletes are provided with opportunities and platforms to demonstrate their abilities. Dialog remains committed to empowering communities and enriching lives through its corporate social responsibility initiatives. Our continued support for para sports reflects our commitment to ensuring that no community is left behind. We also commend the National Paralympic Committee for its efforts in creating opportunities for athletes to showcase their talents. We extend our congratulations to all the winners and to every athlete who competed with determination and resilience at this championship.’

Dialog Axiata remains committed to creating positive social impact through a range of community investment and engagement initiatives. The company continues to support equal opportunities, celebrate diversity, empower communities, and promote greater inclusion for persons with disabilities across Sri Lanka.

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), in collaboration with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC), will host another investor forum as part of an ongoing island-wide initiative to broaden investor participation following a successful forum held last week.

The second forum which will be conducted in English will be held on 9 July 2026 at 5:30 p.m. on the trading floor of the CSE, located on Level 4 of the World Trade Centre, Colombo 1. Registration is between 5.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. The forum is open to the those interested in investing in the stock market or through Unit Trusts and is free of any cost to participants.

Representatives from Stock Broker Firms and Unit Trusts will be available from 9 a.m. on Level 3 of the World Trade Centre and at the CSE trading Floor from 5 p.m. onwards providing prospective investors with the opportunity to open accounts. The first two-hundred participants who open an account on the day itself are eligible for an investment coupon gifted by SEC and CSE.

The forum will feature presentations and interactive panel discussions with the CSE, SEC, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL), representatives of leading stockbroker and unit trust firms, bringing together stakeholders from across the Sri Lankan capital market to provide a comprehensive overview of the capital market for potential investors in the greater Colombo area.

The forum will be conducted amidst a remarkable six-year growth in the capital market which saw the All-Share Price Index (ASPI) rise from 4,846 points in May 2020 to 22,310.80 points by the end of May 2026. This represents a growth of 360% and a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 28.98% – with capital gains remaining tax-free.

Interested parties can register for the forum on the CSE website or by calling 0112356515 or 0112356531.

The Colombo Investor Forums are the first of a series of a nationwide tour to raise financial literacy and broad base a growing number of investors, showcasing the capital market and extend its reach through CSE’s nation-wide presence.

LANKATILES PLC last week launched Sri Lanka’s first solar reflective ‘COOL ROOFTOP TILE.’

The breakthrough innovation was unveiled before members of the media, industry stakeholders and construction professionals as a practical solution to the growing challenge of heat transfer from exposed rooftops, terraces and balconies into indoor living spaces.

As temperatures continue to rise across Sri Lanka, exposed rooftop surfaces have become a growing source of discomfort, increasing heat transfer into buildings and driving greater dependence on cooling systems.

Developed through extensive research and engineering, the COOL ROOFTOP TILE is designed to reflect a significant portion of solar radiation before it is absorbed into the building structure, helping create cooler rooftop surfaces and more comfortable indoor environments.

LANKATILES PLC Managing Director Priyantha Talwatte said: ‘For over five decades, LANKATILES has continuously introduced innovations that have transformed the way Sri Lankans build and experience their homes. The launch of Sri Lanka’s first COOL ROOFTOP TILE marks another significant milestone in that journey.’

‘As temperatures continue to rise and thermal comfort becomes an increasing concern for homeowners, we recognised the need for a solution that addresses this challenge at its source. This innovation reflects our commitment to developing products that not only enhance living spaces but also improve the everyday quality of life for Sri Lankan families,’ Talwatte added.

Developed specifically for Sri Lankan building environments where exposed concrete slab rooftops are common, the innovation addresses a challenge familiar to many homeowners. Rooftops absorb and retain large amounts of heat throughout the day, gradually transferring that heat into the spaces below. COOL ROOFTOP TILE helps minimise this process, supporting cooler indoor temperatures and improved comfort throughout the day and night.

The product’s performance has been independently verified through testing conducted by the CEPT Advisory Foundation (CAF), India, achieving an outstanding Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) value above 96. SRI is a globally recognised measure used to assess how effectively a surface reflects solar radiation and dissipates heat. A higher SRI value indicates a cooler surface under direct sunlight, highlighting the tile’s exceptional solar reflective capabilities.

LANKATILES Director – Group Sales, Marketing and Business Development Naimish Patibandha said: ‘Consumers today want solutions that genuinely improve the way they live. COOL ROOFTOP TILE represents a powerful combination of comfort, innovation and practicality. Helping reduce rooftop heat gain and creating more comfortable indoor environments allows homeowners to combat the effects of rising temperatures while enjoying the quality and design excellence that LANKATILES is known for.’

Highlighting the extensive research and technical expertise behind the innovation, Executive Director – Manufacturing Nandajith Somaratne said: ‘Developing Sri Lanka’s first COOL ROOFTOP TILE required extensive research, product engineering and performance validation. Achieving an independently verified Solar Reflectance Index value above 96 is a testament to the innovation, technical expertise and manufacturing excellence that continue to drive our organisation forward.’

The introduction of COOL ROOFTOP TILE reinforces LANKATILES’ position as a pioneer in building innovation while offering homeowners, architects, engineers, developers and construction professionals a practical solution for creating cooler, more comfortable and sustainable living environments in a warming climate.