LANKATILES PLC has introduced Sri Lanka’s first solar reflective COOL ROOFTOP TILE®, unveiling the innovative roofing solution at a media launch held on 2 July at the Winchester Hall of The Kingsbury, Colombo.
The breakthrough product was presented to media representatives, industry stakeholders and construction professionals as a practical response to the growing challenge of heat transfer from exposed rooftops, terraces and balconies into indoor living spaces.
With rising temperatures becoming an increasing concern across Sri Lanka, exposed rooftop surfaces contribute significantly to indoor heat gain, often leading to greater reliance on cooling systems. Developed through extensive research and engineering, the COOL ROOFTOP TILE® is designed to reflect a substantial portion of solar radiation before it is absorbed by the building structure, helping create cooler rooftop surfaces and more comfortable interiors.
Commenting on the launch, Priyantha Talwatte, Managing Director of LANKATILES PLC, 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.”
He added that as thermal comfort becomes an increasingly important consideration for homeowners, the company recognised the need for a solution that addresses heat challenges at the source while enhancing everyday living environments.
Designed specifically for Sri Lankan construction conditions, where exposed concrete slab rooftops are widely used, the COOL ROOFTOP TILE® helps reduce heat absorption and transfer. Traditional rooftops can accumulate significant heat during the day and gradually release it into indoor spaces, while the new solution helps maintain cooler temperatures and improve comfort throughout the day and night.
The product’s performance has been independently validated by the CEPT Advisory Foundation (CAF), India, achieving an exceptional Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) value above 96. SRI is an internationally recognised measurement that evaluates a surface’s ability to reflect solar energy and release absorbed heat, with higher values indicating improved cooling performance under direct sunlight.
Homegrown ISSO – Prawn Crazy Makes History as First Sri Lankan Restaurant Brand to Conquer London
Breaking new ground in global hospitality, homegrown Sri Lankan culinary brand ISSO – Prawn Crazy has officially expanded into the United Kingdom with the opening of its flagship international outlet at 25 Cabot Square, Canary Wharf, London.
The milestone represents a significant achievement for Sri Lanka’s food and hospitality sector, as ISSO becomes the first Sri Lankan-born and developed restaurant brand to establish a direct corporate presence in the UK market. While Sri Lankan cuisine has gained popularity in London, many concepts have traditionally been driven by diaspora-led businesses. ISSO’s expansion marks a new chapter by taking a locally developed restaurant model from Colombo to a global commercial hub.
Founded as a 16-seat quick-service restaurant in Colombo, ISSO – Prawn Crazy has evolved into a scalable hospitality brand with a strong focus on innovation, operational efficiency and technology-driven growth. The Canary Wharf outlet features a 90-seat dining space designed to cater to the fast-paced requirements of one of London’s busiest financial districts.
A key element of ISSO’s international expansion strategy is its technology-enabled operating model. The brand incorporates advanced kitchen automation, including robotic cooking systems, to enhance consistency, improve efficiency and maintain quality standards while scaling across international markets.
“We chose Canary Wharf for our Western debut because it is the ultimate high-intensity stage to prove the scalability of our framework,” said Apinash Sivagumaaran, Founder and CEO of ISSO Group. “But we are not just opening restaurants. We are building a sophisticated, plug-and-play model for seamless cross-border expansion.”
He added that the brand aims to move beyond traditional commodity exports by creating and exporting a fully branded, technology-driven Sri Lankan consumer experience to global markets.
At the heart of the ISSO – Prawn Crazy menu is its signature Sri Lankan prawn offering, which the brand describes as “The Wagyu of the Sea.” Featuring export-grade, wild sea-caught Sri Lankan prawns, the menu highlights the island’s unique coastal environment and the distinctive flavour, texture and quality of its seafood.
Through its London launch, ISSO – Prawn Crazy aims to showcase Sri Lankan culinary innovation on the global stage while demonstrating the potential of homegrown brands to compete internationally through strong branding, technology and scalable business models.
LANKATILES Launches Sri Lanka’s First Solar Reflective COOL ROOFTOP TILE®
