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.
