Experts dig deep into adulteration and counterfeit problems in Sri Lanka market
Totachi Industrial Co. Ltd, Japan and GS Lubricants, Sri Lanka recently conducted an informative and interactive seminar at Shangri La Colombo where the members of the All Island Service Station Owners Association (AISSOA) gained the latest knowledge on automotive lubricants and fluids, to ensure that they know their products inside out to serve their customers better.
With the catchy title ‘Insights on automotive lubricants and fluids for sustainable business growth’, the event brought hundreds of members of the AISSOA together to gain newfound knowledge about the innovative products in their industry.
Totachi Industrial Co. Ltd. is a Japanese company reputed for manufacturing high-quality lubricants including engine oils, gear oils, coolants & other automotive fluids together with filters, brake pads and related products. Totachi markets and sells these products in more than 50 countries including Sri Lanka.
In addition to spreading awareness of innovative products by Totachi, the event served as a platform for building new partnerships with the members of the AISSOA while strengthening the existing partnerships.
he participants were educated on the certifications and specifications of the lubricant industry by showcasing the uniqueness of Totachi Lubricants and its products.
During the welcome speech the purpose of the event was explained by Priyantha Perera, CEO – GS Lubricants Limited.
The keynote speech was delivered by Pawara Dasanayake, President of the Association and he appreciated the efforts of Totachi company for bringing government regulating bodies to educate the members of the association on legislation procedures and future challenges of the industry.
Guest speaker, Thanuj Wijesooriya (Deputy Director) Public Utility Commission spoke on the importance of using lubricants which are manufactured to the highest certification of API and its benefits to the car owner as well as the impact to the environment.
The next guest speaker, Samantha Karunaratne, Director Competition Promotion Consumer Affairs Authority educated the audience on the fake and grey products in the market as well as the initiatives being taken to reduce and control such malpractices.
Evangelin Ramos- Product Manager, Totachi Industrial Ltd. Japan made a special presentation showcasing the Totachi product range and its highest standards in manufacturing which helped broaden the product awareness among the audience.
The panel discussion which followed comprised: Thanuj Wijesooriya, Chelaka Herath, Pawara Dasanayaka, Nishantha Amerasinghe , Association President & Secretary, Sunil Weththasinghe, Chairman – GS Lubricants, Priyantha Perera, CEO – GS Lubricants and Evangelin Ramos, Product Manager – Totachi Industrial Ltd.Japan.
The panelists provided substantial information on lubricant industry specifications such as API/ILSAC/ACEA & JASO etc. and showcased the uniqueness of Totachi engine oils, gear oils, coolants and other special Fluids.
The panelists familiarized all service station owners about the standards the lubricant industry will need to adapt in the future, showcasing ongoing R&D activities and new standards that will be set by certification bodies in the near future.
They illustrated how Totachi Lubricants have adopted all the state-of-the-art innovations with the best practices of the industry and the highest standards they have used in the production process.
They also discussed the counterfeit products and adulteration problem in the Sri Lankan lubricants market, its adverse impact on automobiles, and educated AISSOA members on the need for establishing proper supply chain links to not be duped by fake products for the wellbeing of their customers.
