Udeshi Tracks & Equipment (Pvt) Ltd, the authorised dealer for Shantui Construction Machinery in Sri Lanka and the Maldives, has strengthened its presence in the local heavy equipment sector with the introduction of the Shantui L55-B5 wheel loader to Sri Lanka’s construction industry.

The new wheel loader was officially handed over to its customer by Prasanna Katuwandeniya, General Manager of Udeshi Tracks & Equipment, during a ceremony held to mark the machine’s deployment.

According to the company, the latest addition reflects its continued efforts to provide construction and industrial businesses with equipment focused on productivity, reliability and operational cost efficiency.

Focus on Electric Construction Equipment

Udeshi Tracks & Equipment is also preparing to expand beyond conventional heavy machinery, with plans to introduce a comprehensive range of electric construction equipment to the Sri Lankan market.

Katuwandeniya said the planned expansion is driven by changing customer expectations and the construction industry’s increasing interest in energy efficiency and sustainable technologies.

He noted that businesses are looking for solutions that can help lower energy consumption while managing the rising costs associated with equipment operation.

“This is a supportive solution for future energy saving. Our solutions need to cater to the future needs and requirements of our customers as well as the industry,” Katuwandeniya said.

The company expects its upcoming electric machinery range to deliver significant savings compared with conventional diesel-powered equipment. Depending on operating conditions and usage, the equipment is expected to reduce operating costs by up to 60% and maintenance expenses by up to 70%, according to Katuwandeniya.

The planned introduction comes at a time when Sri Lanka’s construction industry is placing greater emphasis on productivity improvements, cost management and the adoption of more environmentally sustainable technologies.

Udeshi Tracks & Equipment said its combination of advanced diesel-powered machinery and the planned addition of electric equipment will enable the company to offer a broader portfolio of solutions to construction and industrial customers as market requirements continue to evolve.
Hayleys Solar Commissions 3MW Ground-Mounted Solar Project in Veyangoda
Hayleys Solar, a renewable energy solutions provider in Sri Lanka, has commissioned a 3MW ground-mounted solar power project in Veyangoda, marking another step in the company’s expansion into large-scale renewable energy. The project was officially opened in the presence of Hon. Anura Karunathilake, Minister of Energy.

The Veyangoda facility is the first project under Hayleys Solar’s planned 300MW portfolio of ground-mounted solar projects to be developed across Sri Lanka. The initiative forms part of the company’s broader efforts to increase the availability of large-scale renewable energy solutions in the country.

Hayleys Solar operates under Hayleys Fentons Limited, a member of the Hayleys Group, one of Sri Lanka’s diversified business conglomerates, with a presence spanning 17 sectors and a business history of nearly 150 years.

The Veyangoda project also reflects the Group’s continued focus on renewable energy investment, sustainable innovation and supporting the country’s long-term development goals.

Solar Project Designed for Climate Resilience

The solar facility is located close to the Aththanagalla Oya, presenting potential environmental challenges, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall and flooding.

To address these conditions, Hayleys Solar conducted a detailed site assessment using historical information obtained from the Irrigation Department. Based on the findings, the company installed an elevated solar mounting system with additional clearance and safety margins.

The project also incorporates elevated inverter supports and customised cable routing arrangements, with the design intended to improve the facility’s resilience against challenging site conditions.

Speaking at the opening, Minister of Energy Anura Karunathilake highlighted the role of private-sector investment in supporting Sri Lanka’s transition towards renewable energy.

“Building a secure and sustainable energy future for Sri Lanka requires us to harness the potential of renewable energy while encouraging greater participation from the private sector. Projects such as these demonstrate how investment, innovation and climate-resilient solutions can come together to support this national priority. We encourage more such initiatives that can strengthen our renewable energy capacity and contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable Sri Lanka,” he said.

Hasith Prematillake, Managing Director of Hayleys Fentons Limited, said the Veyangoda project demonstrates the company’s approach to developing renewable energy infrastructure that takes local environmental conditions into consideration.

“The Veyangoda project demonstrates our commitment to developing renewable energy solutions that respond to the realities of our environment. By integrating climate-resilient engineering with innovative land utilisation, we have created a solar installation that not only withstands challenging site conditions but also delivers greater value from the available land,” he said.
Range of Electric Construction Machinery Introduced to Sri Lankan Market