Regnis among Forbes Asia's ‘200 Best Under a Billion’ List

Regnis (Lanka) PLC, part of the Singer Group and Sri Lanka’s leading manufacturer of refrigerators and washing machines, has made it to the ‘Forbes Asia's 200 Best Under a Billion 2016’ list.

Forbes Asia’s ‘Best Under a Billion’ list highlights 200 of the best small and midsized listed companies in Asia Pacific with annual revenue under $1 billion.

The company said in a media release that a total of three Sri Lankan companies made it to the 2016 list including Regnis (Lanka) PLC. The vast majority of companies listed were from China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea and Japan.

"This accolade is a testimony of the financial performance Regnis Lanka has achieved over the past few years and an independent recognition of our journey,” said Asoka Pieris, Chief Executive Officer of the Singer Group.

Regnis was the first refrigerator manufacturer in South Asia to convert to manufacturing refrigerators using R600a gas. The R600a gas while being environmentally friendly also reduces electricity consumption.

A Sri Lankan aquarium which won plaudits at a recent ornamental fish exhibition was founded by Mahinda Kularathna, the son of an unskilled worker, who converted his ornamental fish breeding hobby and decorating fish tanks during his childhood into an award winning business.

Beeta Aquarium, Boralesgamuwa won awards for the best ornamental fish trade stall and the best tank décor at the ‘Min Visithuru 2016’, an exhibition of ornamental fish, aquatic plants and accessories, held in Colombo recently.

It was organised by the National Aquaculture Development Authority of Sri Lanka with the objective of increasing the export demand for ornamental fish and ornamental aquatic plants produced in Sri Lanka.

Local ornamental fish exporters displayed their creations in 100 stalls at the fair which included several programmes including one on persons who are interested in this sector.

Mr. Kularathna began his business in a small way amidst many difficulties 24 years ago. He has climbed the ladder of success improving his enterprise through great commitment and sheer hard work.

He said “amongst my customers, are government institutions and banks, private hospitals, tourist hotels and many other business ventures countrywide”.

Decorating fish tanks with fresh water and see water plants, popularly known as plant tank décor has become his forte due to his enthusiasm and dedication in intro-