GRI remains steadfast despite Sri Lanka’s economic & political challenges

With its currency the world’s worst-performing at present, Sri Lanka is facing an economic and political crisis. Despite these issues, GRI remains resilient and continues to supply its specialty tyres to global customers. The tyre maker has published a statement underlining its commitment to stand firm during the challenging times prevailing in the island nation.

Sri Lanka is experiencing fuel shortages and power cuts that exacerbate the economic crisis, which in turn is being compounded by leadership and political uncertainty. GRI reports that peaceful protests continue around the country and says it, as a responsible corporate citizen, “respects and stands by the people as they exercise their right to protest peacefully and express their views freely.”

Despite these challenges, GRI has maintained its operations and fulfilled its responsibilities to its customers, suppliers, and employees. “Throughout this challenging period, we have ensured the smooth operations of our manufacturing facilities without any disruptions. We have maintained our fuel requirements and ensured a continuous supply of electricity, working closely with the authorities and using generators. Furthermore, we have continued to source our raw material requirements uninterrupted to produce quality tyres. This has enabled us to fulfil the orders of our global customers on time as the country’s shipping industry and ports function without any interruptions as well,” shares Dr Mahesha Ranasoma, chief executive officer of GRI.

Long-term focus

GRI states that it has always been a proactive company that focuses on the long-term. This approach has helped it stay “two steps ahead” regardless of internal or external challenges. The tyre maker adds this has in turned enabled it to mitigate all risks and take positive action to maintain continuous production, thereby meeting demand with consistent supply.

“As a caring company that focuses on the welfare of our employees, we continue to ensure their safety and well-being as they work hard displaying their commitment, loyalty and perseverance to ensure that as a company, we deliver on our customer-centric goals across the supply chain,” says Prabhash Subasinghe, GRI’s managing director. “We have provided them with allowances and other benefits in addition to their salaries to meet the demands of the rising cost of living in Sri Lanka. We have also had open and honest conversations with our customers who have placed their trust in us and appreciate our integrity.”

Noting that Sri Lanka has always been a resilient nation that’s weathered many periods of uncertainty in the past, GRI stresses that the country benefits from a strong business community which advises and supports the government. “We are positive that the country will emerge from this economic and political crisis. And, despite the challenges the country is currently facing, we at GRI remain committed to delivering our products without interruptions, as we continue to operate and function our manufacturing facilities seamlessly,” said Dr Ranasoma.

About GRI

GRI produces high-grade specialty tyres that are built sustainably using pure natural rubber in Sri Lanka. Founded in 2002 by Prabhash Subasinghe, the company produces material handling solid tyres, radial agricultural and construction tyres. It has operations in nine countries and a business presence in more than 50 countries worldwide. A focus since 2018 has been to advance the rapid expansion of the company’s specialty tyre production plants and tyre compound mixing facilities in Sri Lanka as well as its operations in key countries.