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 government 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.
As Sri Lanka’s No.1 tyre brand, CEAT sells over 1.2 million tyres annually and is trusted by millions of motorists. The brand also has a presence in more than 110 countries, including the United States and Europe, reinforcing its standing as a globally competitive manufacturer with strong local roots.
Ranked Sri Lanka’s most valuable tyre brand by Brand Finance and named the ‘Most Loved Tyre Brand’ in Sri Lanka in 2025 and 2026 by LMD, CEAT Kelani’s rise to market leadership is driven by sustained investments in technology, innovation and capacity, with manufacturing operations spanning tyres for passenger cars, vans, SUVs, commercial vehicles, motorcycles, three-wheelers and agricultural vehicles.
Besides meeting around half of Sri Lanka’s automotive tyre demand, CEAT Kelani exports approximately 20 per cent of its output to 16 countries. The company has invested more than Rs. 8.5 billion in Sri Lanka over the past decade and recently committed a further Rs. 4.5 billion, reinforcing its role as a key contributor to the national economy and a trusted partner to the transport sector.
Photo caption: CEAT Kelani General Manager – Institutional Sales & OE Mr Indika Ellepola and members of CEAT Kelani team accept the award from the Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Hon. Sunil Handunneththi in the presence of the Chairman of the Automobile Industry Council Mr Ravith Silva and other dignitaries