Colt Trading Company (Pvt) Ltd

A family run business, COLT Trading Company (Pvt) Ltd is an industry leader for the supply of high-end printing, packaging and office equipment in Sri Lanka. With over 40 years of experience in the market, the company has been able to develop a multitude of strong relationships with international brands and manufacturers, securing sole distribution rights to many for the region.

In addition to its core business, COLT has been able to successfully diversify into a range of other industries which include investments in real estate, healthcare equipment sector and most recently ergonomic office furniture. With an eye to the future, the company expects to continue to expand its products and services to best accommodate its growing clientele.

Today, the COLT Team has over 30 experienced and talented employees who are dedicated to providing customers with timely and effective solutions and is available for assistance 24 hours a day.

Board of Directors

Thejan De Silva - Chairman

Darshan De Silva - Managing Director

Ambika De Silva -  Director

Timeline

1980

1980

COLT TRADING COMPANY was established on 31st March 1980 by Mr Thejan De Silva as a sole proprietorship company, commencing operations in the import and distribution of automotive spares for Japanese vehicles.

The company’s first office was located in Rajagiriya, an immediate suburb of the Colombo district.

1980

1985

1985

The company diversified into office equipment after securing the sole rights for the import and marketing of Fuji laminating equipment and films in Sri Lanka.

1990

1990

COLT shifts location to a purchased office space in the “Lucky Plaza” building, Colombo 3.

New product ranges including IBICO binding systems, “IDEAL” cutting machines, shredders and guillotines are added

A nation-wide network of “Copy Centres” popularly known as “Fuji Lamipacker Laminating Services” is set up, providing a variety of photo copying, laminating and binding solutions to the masses.

1990

1991

1991

COLT incorporated into a Private Limited Liability Company and brought Mrs De Silva aboard as a Director.

The company expands its product portfolio with the inclusion of printing and finishing equipment from Ryobi (Japan), IDEAL (Germany), MAN Roland (Germany), and Parker (UK).

1993

1993

ORIENT Web Offset Presses used in the printing of newspapers and textbooks added to the product catalogue. Colt remains the market leader in this industry to date having several installations, including four at State Printing Corporation with the most recent being a high-end configuration in July 2021.

1993

1995

1995

Introduction of “Duplo” Digital Duplicators from Japan, closely followed by the entire range of Duplo products. Early success with Duplo pushed the company to the forefront of digital printing products in Sri Lanka, leading to an expansion to Maldives as the authorized sole distributor.

2000

2000

Addition of “Multitec” computer form presses to product catalogue. Multitec machines have been sold to a number of high profile customers including Peoples Bank and The Department of Government Printing.

COLT opens its first Printing Machinery Showroom in Pita Kotte for the inspection and demonstration of products carried.


2000

2013

2013

COLT moves to its newly constructed seven storied showroom and office complex in the heart of Colombo 8. The company has invested in this property to generate substantial rental income.

Introduction of key products such as “OKI” Printers, “EVOLIS” Plastic Card Printers, “LEIBINGER” Inkjet Coding Systems and “HP” Designjet Wide format printers and scanners to the market.

Expansion of team with in-house marketing and technical staff.

2016

2016

Launch of “Coltjet” Thermal Inkjet Printers, a custom printer solution assembled internally by experienced engineers and sold under our own brand.

2016

2017

2017

Distribution of “Transpak” Strapping Machines from Taiwan to government departments and commercial manufacturers.

2018

2018

COLT breaks into the healthcare equipment sector with the introduction of IDEAL Air Purifiers. The move generates a new customer-base by catering to hospitals, hotels, office spaces, dental clinics, and individuals.

2018

2020

2020

Addition of the 'Ergonomix' brand, focusing on providing ergonomic office furniture to the masses with renowned brands such as Herman Miller and GT Chairs.