Exide powers ‘SLTMobitel Speedup Katukurunda 2021’

From left: Browns Battery Division Chief Manager – Marketing and Communications Samith Kulasinghe, SLH 1,600cc first runner-up Kesara Godage, SLH 1,600cc winner Viren Botheju, SLH 1,600cc second runner-up Induwara Sanedheera, and SLTMobitel Speedup Katukurunda Competition Coordinator Kalim Iqbal

From left: SLTMobitel Speedup Katukurunda Organising Committee Secretary Jaliya Jayasekara, SLAS President Ashar Hamim, and Browns Battery Division Chief Manager – Marketing and Communications Samith Kulasinghe

Browns Exide, the market leader in the Sri Lankan automotive battery industry, powered SLTMobitel Speedup Katukurunda 2021, which was recently concluded at the SLAF racetrack in Katukurunda. The number one automotive battery in Sri Lanka, Exide always comes forward in support to advance motor sporting in the country as the ‘Official Battery Partner’ to sponsor various well-known racing events in Sri Lanka. 

Organised by Sri Lanka Automobile Sports (SLAS), SLTMobitel Speedup Katukurunda is an initiative taken by SLAS President Ashhar Hameem together with the support of the member clubs. It was the first time that the governing body for motor racing in Sri Lanka organised an event at Katukurunda. 

Commenting on the partnership, Browns COO – Automotive and Hardware Cluster Ajith de Silva said: “As one of the most looked forward to events in the Sri Lankan racing calendar in 2021 for both drivers and riders alike, we are proud to be associated with this prestigious event. As a trusted brand that identifies with power both on the racetrack and on the road, we see this relationship as vital for the advancement of motorsports in the country. Therefore, we look forward to its continuation and expansion in the years to come.”

Ashan Silva came up trumps by winning both races of the SL-GT cars up to 3,500cc at the ‘SLTMobitel Speedup Katukurunda 2021’, and was also named the Best Driver. The second and third places in race one were bagged by Ushan Perera and Kaushalya Samarasinghe. Kaushalya Samarasinghe and Rohitha Rajapaksa won the second and third places in race two respectively. The SL-GT cars up to the 3500cc event was run over 10 laps of the Katukurunda circuit while all other races were eight laps of the circuit.

Viren Boteju and Kesara Godage were placed first and second in both race one and two of SL-H Honda cars up to 1,600cc (event four and 12), while Induwara Senadeera and Zakir Wahab won the second and third places respectively. Over 130 entries were received for the 11 race classes with the SL-GT cars up to 3,500cc and SL- H Honda Cars up to 1,600cc classes: both having two races each.

Operating in the market for over nine decades, Browns dominates the automotive battery market with a significant market share of 70%. Browns is the sole distributor for Exide, Lucas and Dagenite automotive batteries in Sri Lanka. 

Fuelled by a passion and commitment to drive innovation beyond the frontiers of excellence, Browns Exide, the best SLS-certified battery in Sri Lanka, has been able to position itself as a product of global acclaim and strength, and to stay in the local market as the market leader in spite of the tremendous competition created by various battery brands. Browns offers a wide array of high-quality lead-acid batteries, solar batteries, deep-cycle batteries and UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supply units) to power the nation. 

Established in 1875, Browns has flourished over the years to grow into a household name with a reputation as strong as its years are long. Today, the prestigious Browns Group is one of Sri Lanka’s largest diversified conglomerates, which manages a fast growing and valuable portfolio of brands across several key industry sectors, such as automotive; power generation; agriculture and plantation; pharmaceuticals; investments; marine and manufacturing as well as leisure.