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.
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
2018
2018
2018
2020
2020