Micro Cars Chairman Dr Lawrence Perera named top innovator, lifetime awardee

Micro Cars Ltd., Sri Lanka’s pioneering automotive manufacturer and assembler, has achieved a landmark double victory at the International Automobile Industry Awards 2026, further cementing its position as a driving force in the nation’s automotive sector.

Micro Cars Ltd. was honoured with the award for Most Innovative Vehicle Assembler, while the company’s Founder and Chairman, Dr. Lawrence Perera, received the coveted Lifetime Award for Assembly Industry in recognition of his decades-long contribution to the growth and transformation of Sri Lanka’s automobile manufacturing landscape.

The International Automobile Industry Awards, organised to recognise excellence, innovation, and leadership across Sri Lanka’s automotive ecosystem, brings together leading organisations and professionals who continue to shape the future of the industry.

The Most Innovative Vehicle Assembler Award recognises Micro Cars’ continuous efforts to advance local vehicle assembly through technological innovation, strategic global partnerships, and a commitment to delivering modern mobility solutions tailored to Sri Lankan consumers.

Over the past three decades, Micro Cars has pioneered Sri Lanka’s SKD (Semi Knocked Down) and CKD (Completely Knocked Down) assembly industry, partnering with globally renowned automobile brands such as SsangYong, Geely, GWM, BAIC, MG, Chery, Higer, and Yutong.

Under licensed agreements with parent companies, Micro Cars has successfully assembled a diverse portfolio ranging from passenger cars and high end SUVs to vans and luxury buses, many co-branded under the Micro Cars name.

This recognition reflects the company’s ongoing investments in innovation and its vision of building a sustainable and future ready automotive industry in Sri Lanka.

Adding to the celebrations, Dr. Lawrence Perera was bestowed with the Lifetime Award for Assembly Industry, a distinguished honour acknowledging an extraordinary career dedicated to building and nurturing Sri Lanka’s automotive assembly sector.

As founder of Micro Cars, Dr. Perera has been instrumental in transforming the local automotive landscape. His entrepreneurial vision and commitment to industrial development have enabled the company to establish itself as one of Sri Lanka’s most recognised automotive brands.

Commenting on the achievement, Group Director Asela Lihinikaduwa said: “These prestigious recognitions mark a defining moment not only for Micro Cars but for Sri Lanka’s automotive industry as a whole. Being named the ‘Most Innovative Vehicle Assembler’ reflects our commitment to innovation, quality, and advancement of local manufacturing.

“At the same time, the Lifetime Award presented to our Founder and Chairman, Dr. Lawrence Perera, is a fitting tribute to a visionary whose leadership has shaped the industry over several decades.”

“As the company celebrates these achievements, Micro Cars reaffirms its mission of delivering world class automotive products while fostering technological advancement, sustainable growth, and economic development for Sri Lanka.”

The twin accolades stand as a testament to a remarkable journey built on vision, perseverance, and belief in Sri Lanka’s potential to innovate for the future.