On a tricycle made for you

Generating employment

Commercial cargo tricyle

One passenger-one rider tricycle

 Single rider with tricycle with a shopping basket

Cimel Engineering’s latest venture is also an index to what Sri Lankan entrepreneurship is capable of. Generating employment opportunities, the business also aspires to tap an export market. “We are in this crisis today because of our import-dependency. If we can tap an export market, we will not only retain foreign exchange but will also take the Sri Lankan skill to the global market,” says Sineth whose cornerstones of the business are ‘positivity’ and ‘innovation’

At a time when many Sri Lankans are seeking greener pastures abroad, Sineth offers inspiration in abundance. “There are good times and bad times and what is critical is to adapt and move on. We are not alone in this crisis. Many countries have gone through similar phases and I believe that crises can help countries discover new opportunities, find new paths,” says Sineth who has walked the talk in turning adversity into opportunity

By Randima Attygalle

Sineth Kularathna

Rickshaw-like two-passenger tricyle with a removable roof top

Having grown up with his father’s steel fabrication business, Sineth Kularathna set up his own company Cimel Engineering Pvt Ltd. in 2019. Located in Kuruvita, the workshop manufactures all kinds of steel-

fabricated products. Before the economic crisis took a toll on the local construction business, they were even supplying goods for leading construction firms in the country, some even with an overseas reach. 

“With the construction industry being badly hit, our business suffered and I realised that diversification was essential if we were to brave hard times,” recollects Sineth who plunged into the business of customised tricycles and electric tricycles – the latest to join Cimel Engineering’s product portfolio. 

Since he ran his first advertisement a few months ago on social media, at the peak of the fuel crisis, the response to the tricycles has been overwhelming, says Sineth. “I’m so thankful to my customers, some of them who have been giving me some wonderful ideas in terms of designs. I’m humbled by the support I’ve received from my network and also by complete strangers whom I have never met but have encouraged me on social media having seen my products.” 

First ever customised tricycle manufacturer here at home, Cimel Engineering offers single passenger/rider tricycle, single rider tricycle with a shopping basket, two passenger-one rider tricycle with a removable roof top (similar to a rickshaw in look), commercial cargo tricycle and two passenger-one rider tricycle without roof. They are all manufactured by locally available material. The most striking feature common to all tricycles is that they are pedal-assisted. The rider has the option of either pedalling or being driven by an electrically charged motor.

With a professional engineering background, Sineth’s mantra has always been ‘adapt and never give up.’ This had paid him dividends today. At a time when many Sri Lankans are seeking greener pastures abroad, Sineth offers inspiration in abundance. “There are good times and bad times and what is critical is to adapt and move on. We are not alone in this crisis. Many countries have gone through similar phases and I believe that crises can help countries discover new opportunities, find new paths,” says Sineth who has walked the talk in turning adversity into opportunity. 

Cimel Engineering’s latest venture is also an index to what Sri Lankan entrepreneurship is capable of. Generating employment opportunities, the business also aspires to tap an export market. “We are in this crisis today because of our import-dependency. If we can tap an export market, we will not only retain foreign exchange but will also take the Sri Lankan skill to the global market,” says Sineth whose cornerstones of the business are ‘positivity’ and ‘innovation.’

They are also in the process of launching another exciting product which is a hybrid three-wheeler. “This would be ideal for many three-wheeler drivers as it can be charged either electrically or with solar power. It could also be pedalled”

With import restrictions, Sineth was pushed to find alternatives in terms of material and parts for the goods. “We have a lot of red tape and restrictions today and doing business has become an uphill task,” notes the entrepreneur who calls upon Government authorities to relax some of them to encourage local businessmen.

He also offers after-sales services for his customers. “All tricycles are designed with locally available material and soon we are also going to offer spare parts through our online platform for the convenience of the customers. Our mechanisms are simple and any bicycle repair mechanic can attend to them; however, if any customer wishes to get any after-sales services done, we are ready to offer them at our workshop.” 

Safety and stability in terms of balance offered by tricycles, have made them popular, especially among middle-aged ladies, says Sineth. “Those who are not very comfortable and confident in riding bicycles, find tricycles safer and easier to balance and there is a very good demand for our single rider tricycle with shopping basket among ladies.” The most time consuming product is the rickshaw-type tricycle with the removable hood, says its owner. All Cimel Engineering products can be purchased through their online platform (www.cimelmart.com). Easy payment schemes are also offered by them.

The most striking feature common to all tricycles is that they are pedal-assisted. The rider has the option of either pedalling or being driven by an electrically charged motor

In addition to their full-time workforce, Cimel Engineering has helps generate jobs among ‘outsourced’ parties. They are also in the process of launching another exciting product which is a hybrid three-wheeler. “This would be ideal for many three-wheeler drivers as it can be charged either electrically or with solar power. It could also be pedalled,” explains Sineth. 

An enterprising entrepreneur who has climbed in ranks starting his career as a humble mechanic and rising up to become a Group Engineering Manager and to run his own business, Sineth encourages the Sri Lankan skilled workforce to be professionally qualified. “We have very skilled people, sadly with no paper qualification and today there are several NVQ qualifications and other avenues for them to be professionally qualified which could afford them better job openings with higher salaries,” reflects Sineth who also urges Sri Lankan professionals including engineers to be more innovative and proactive in their contribution to the national development.