Kalhari to bring state-of-the-art technology to recycle rubber and fabric waste

Tuesday, 6 December 2016 00:04 -     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Kalhari Enterprises, a pioneer in waste recycling in Sri Lanka is poised to take a major step in resolving the rubber and fabric-waste recycling problems of Sri Lankan corporates. Qualified in plastics and rubber recycling, Kalhari Group Chairman and Managing Director Indhra Kaushal Rajapaksa, has begun negotiations with European and Indian companies to acquire the latest technology to convert rubber and fabric-waste into usable material or products.

The Kalhari Group won a Bronze Award in the Industry Sector (Small) at the 24th NCE Export Awards and has consistently won outstanding recognition for its performance since its entry into the recycling and export of waste. Over the years, the Kalhari Group has been a leading contributor of valuable foreign exchange to the country through the export of recycled waste.

Explaining the company’s philosophy, Indhra Kaushal Rajapaksa said, “At Kalhari we strive to satisfy our customers by providing goods and services to exacting standards, and to empower rural Sri Lanka by protecting the environment and providing as many people as possible with a livelihood.”

dft-8-4Kalhari Group of Companies Chairman/Managing Director Indhra Kaushal Rajapaksa receiveS the Bronze Award in the Industry Sector – Small Category, from Deputy Minister of Public Enterprise Development Eran Wickremaratne at the 24th NCE Export Awards – 2016



“In the developed world, waste recycling has become one of today’s most pressing needs,” he continued. “50 years ago, waste could be safely buried or incinerated. Today the situation is quite different because of the varied composition of waste as well as the huge quantities.” He said that burying waste could impact on both the soil and groundwater, while incinerating would release toxic gases to an atmosphere that is already under pressure.

“The solution is two-fold. We must be careful about our consumption and we must be careful about how our garbage is disposed,” he added. “At Kalhari we aim to provide the best recycling options so that Sri Lanka could tackle the problem before it gets out of hand.”

Kalhari began operations in 2003 with the recycling of PET bottles and has now grown to a group of four companies engaged in the export of recycled tyre-waste, fabric-waste, rubber-waste, post-consumer PET bottles and steel-dust. The Kalhari Group has its centralised management centre and processing plant in Heiyantuduwa, Biyagama, with two other factories in Mahara and Minuwangoda.

Rajapaksa has diverse business interests and is also a director of Building A Future Foundation, BAFF Polymech and Sail Lanka Charter – companies engaged in sea-based tourism development activities such as yacht building, chartering, and mini marina development.

Kaushal Rajapaksa was twice awarded the Asia Pacific Entrepreneurship Award. In 2014, Rajapaksa received the prestigious Merit Award from the Plastics and Rubber Institute of Sri Lanka for his significant contribution towards the development and growth of Sri Lanka’s polymer industry. The same year, Kalhari won first place in the Western Province and a Silver Award for the second place at the national level for Rubber and Plastic Based Products category at SMIDEX 2014 organised by the Industrial Development Board. 

“These awards have been an encouragement to reach even higher,” he said. “Each time we win an export award, we feel extremely happy because it is recognition of our contribution to the country.”

Fulfilling his social responsibility through Lions Clubs International Rajapaksa is a Charter Member of the Lions Club of Biyagama North in Lions District 306 B2 and has held several positions of responsibility. He is currently the District Cabinet Treasurer.

“Being in the world’s largest service club organisation has given me a great opportunity to help rural communities in Sri Lanka,” Rajapaksa explained. “As we strive for success in business, the opportunity that the lions have provided me to give back to the community is something I will always be grateful for. While the export awards are recognition of our success in business and naturally make me very proud, the ability to give better sight to some people whom we may never meet again or to give a helping hand to disadvantaged students through the lions gives me immense personal satisfaction.” 

 

COMMENTS