CEAT Kelani crowned ‘Best Tyre Manufacturer’ at inaugural Automobile Industry Awards

CEAT Kelani General Manager – Institutional Sales and OE Indika Ellepola and members of CEAT Kelani team accept the award from the Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Minister Sunil Handunneththi in the presence of the Automobile Industry Council Chairman Ravith Silva and other dignitaries

• Leadership in OEM segment and commitment to global standards recognised at national forum 

CEAT Kelani Holdings has been adjudged the Best Tyre Manufacturer in the ‘Component Manufacturer’ Category at the country’s inaugural Automobile Industry Awards presented by the Automobile Industry Council (AIC) of Sri Lanka, in a significant endorsement of the company’s leadership in the country’s fast-evolving vehicle assembly sector.

The awards were presented at Temple Trees at a ceremony attended by Ministers, senior public officials, industry leaders and stakeholders from across Sri Lanka’s automobile ecosystem. Conceived as a national platform to recognise excellence, innovation and sustainability, the awards evaluate performance across criteria including technology, market impact, customer satisfaction and industry leadership.

CEAT Kelani’s recognition reflects its commanding position in the Original Equipment (OE) tyre segment, where the company supplies tyres for more than 90% of the vehicles assembled in Sri Lanka. Having entered the local vehicle assembly industry in 2012 with its first OE tyre supply, CEAT has rapidly established itself as the preferred tyre partner for assemblers, supplying over 150,000 OE tyres annually across a diverse range of vehicles including cars, SUVs, motorcycles, scooters, buses and commercial vehicles.

Today, CEAT tyres are fitted as original equipment on more than 30 locally assembled vehicle models spanning 11 global brands, underscoring the confidence placed in the company’s product quality, consistency and performance.

The company’s leadership in this segment is reinforced by its achievement of IATF 16949:2016 certification, making it the first tyre manufacturer in Sri Lanka to secure this globally recognised automotive quality standard. This certification affirms CEAT Kelani’s capability to meet the stringent requirements of international automotive OEMs while optimising supply chain efficiency and reliability.

CEAT tyres supplied to vehicle manufacturers undergo rigorous validation processes and have demonstrated superior performance across key parameters such as safety, durability, braking efficiency, ride comfort and noise reduction. Low rolling resistance and minimal vibration further enhance driving efficiency and user experience, aligning with global expectations of modern mobility solutions.

Beyond its industrial impact, CEAT Kelani also contributes significantly to the national economy. By manufacturing tyres locally, the company helps conserve valuable foreign exchange through import substitution, while sourcing 100% of its natural rubber requirements domestically, supporting the livelihoods of more than 10,000 rubber cultivator families.

The Automobile Industry Council, the apex body representing Sri Lanka’s automobile sector, was established under the joint leadership of key government ministries and operates as a private sector-led, not-for-profit organisation. Its mandate includes driving sustainable growth, strengthening industry competitiveness and fostering collaboration between public and private stakeholders.

The inaugural awards ceremony forms part of the Council’s broader effort to promote global best practices, encourage innovation, advance sustainability and elevate governance standards within the industry, while positioning Sri Lanka’s vehicle assembly sector for long-term growth.

CEAT Kelani’s recognition as Best Tyre Manufacturer at this landmark event affirms its pivotal role in supporting the country’s automobile industry and its continued commitment to delivering world-class products tailored to both local and international markets.