LANKATILES PLC officially introduced Sri Lanka’s first solar reflective COOL ROOFTOP
TILE® at a media launch held on 2nd July at the Winchester Hall of The Kingsbury, Colombo.
The breakthrough innovation was unveiled before members of the media, industry stakeholders
and construction professionals as a practical solution to the growing challenge of heat transfer
from exposed rooftops, terraces and balconies into indoor living spaces.
As temperatures continue to rise across Sri Lanka, exposed rooftop surfaces have become a
growing source of discomfort, increasing heat transfer into buildings and driving greater
dependence on cooling systems. Developed through extensive research and engineering, the
COOL ROOFTOP TILE® is designed to reflect a significant portion of solar radiation before it
is absorbed into the building structure, helping create cooler rooftop surfaces and more
comfortable indoor environments.
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. As
temperatures continue to rise and thermal comfort becomes an increasing concern for
homeowners, we recognised the need for a solution that addresses this challenge at its source.
This innovation reflects our commitment to developing products that not only enhance living
spaces but also improve the everyday quality of life for Sri Lankan families.”
Developed specifically for Sri Lankan building environments where exposed concrete slab
rooftops are common, the innovation addresses a challenge familiar to many homeowners.
Rooftops absorb and retain large amounts of heat throughout the day, gradually transferring that
heat into the spaces below. COOL ROOFTOP TILE® helps minimise this process, supporting
cooler indoor temperatures and improved comfort throughout the day and night.
The product’s performance has been independently verified through testing conducted by the
CEPT Advisory Foundation (CAF), India, achieving an outstanding Solar Reflectance Index
(SRI) value above 96. SRI is a globally recognised measure used to assess how effectively a
surface reflects solar radiation and dissipates heat. A higher SRI value indicates a cooler surface
under direct sunlight, highlighting the tile’s exceptional solar reflective capabilities.
Speaking on the consumer benefits of the innovation, Naimish Patibandha, Director – Group
Sales, Marketing & Business Development, LANKATILES, stated, “Consumers today want
solutions that genuinely improve the way they live. COOL ROOFTOP TILE® represents a
powerful combination of comfort, innovation and practicality. Helping reduce rooftop heat gain
and creating more comfortable indoor environments allows homeowners to combat the effects of
rising temperatures while enjoying the quality and design excellence that LANKATILES is
known for.”
Highlighting the extensive research and technical expertise behind the innovation, Nandajith
Somaratne, Executive Director – Manufacturing, added, “Developing Sri Lanka’s first COOL
ROOFTOP TILE® required extensive research, product engineering and performance validation.
Achieving an independently verified Solar Reflectance Index value above 96 is a testament to the
innovation, technical expertise and manufacturing excellence that continue to drive our
organisation forward.”
The introduction of COOL ROOFTOP TILE® reinforces LANKATILES’ position as a pioneer
in building innovation while offering homeowners, architects, engineers, developers and
construction professionals a practical solution for creating cooler, more comfortable and
sustainable living environments in a warming climate.
(Ends)
Photo caption:
Pictured from left: Janaka Vitharana, Interior Designer; Gayani Champika, Interior Designer;
Layandanee Dahanayake, Interior Designer; Architect Chana Samarasinghe, Chairperson, Sri
Lanka Institute of Interior Design; Senior Architect Upuli Jayasinghe, State Engineering
Corporation and President Sri Lanka Institute of Interior Designers; Representing LANKATILES
PLC and LANKA WALLTILES PLC, Priyantha Talwatte, Managing Director; Haresh
Somashantha, Director – Finance; Harin Samat, Head of Marketing; Nandajith Somaratne,
Executive Director – Manufacturing; Naimish Patibandha, Director – Group Sales, Marketing &
Business Development and Architect Dammika Wijeratne, Senior Architect, Central Engineering
Consultancy Bureau.