Lankem Robbialac’s Acquashield water-based wood care range proudly protects and enhances the priceless woodwork and all wooden surfaces of the newly restored Arcade - Independence Square which opened amid much glory and fanfare recently. 

An architectural relic from Colombo’s colonial past, this iconic building literally rose, Phoenix-like, from the ashes, and today stands like a majestic sentinel in a newly rejuvenated capital city.

Director Lankem Ceylon PLC Ruwan T. Weerasinghe said, “As we celebrate our 30^th anniversary this year, we are proud to have been chosen to be the Official Paints Supplier for the rich woodwork and interiors of the historic edifice. This heritage building was one that was in a state of relative disrepair. We thus carefully evaluated the condition of every wooden surface and chose the best solution that would both enhance their historic appeal while also ensuring long lasting durability.

“Heritage buildings such as this one have a lot of wooden surfaces – windows, doors, stairways, banisters, ceilings and parquet - which are exposed to the elements, and face daily wear and tear. We thus relied on the international excellence of our Aquashield water-based product range. This included Exterior Stain (Burma Teak and Walnut), Exterior Top Coat, Exterior Flooring, Interior Flooring, Wood Putty Colours and Aqua Shield Hardeners.

In addition to this we were also pleased to extend technical support to the skilled applicators of the Sri Lanka Navy and match the colours of each timber”, Weerasinghe added.

In fact the Ministry sent a team of young and enterprising architects to Paris to gain first-hand experience in the restoration of old heritage buildings. Co-incidentally they chose the Robbialac Acquashield wood care range since its quality is on par with international standards.

Every nook and cranny from floor to ceiling is now enhanced and preserved with the Lankem’s Acquashield wood care range which contributes to the magnificent effect one sees when one walks in.

One of Lankem’s specialties for the climatic demands of tropical Sri Lanka is its Acquashield water based wood-care for exteriors. This is able to withstand the harsh UV rays of the sun, dampness of the rain and the saltiness of the sea breezes and prevent yellowing. It protects doors, windows and furniture from termites and fungus too.

A special feature is its elasticity which controls ageing and prevents cracks and peeling. Developed in Italy by the global wood coating giant Verinlegno, Acquashield conforms to stringent European standards while also matching Sri Lanka’s weather conditions.

Lankem Robbialac is also the proud wood-care product supplier to Citrus Wadduwa, Grand Uda Walawe Safari Resort, Laya Waves Hotel, Resort Anilana and Hotel Neela Kuda in Passikudah, Nivasipura Housing Scheme Talangama and the Lighthouse Hotel Galle to name a few.

“Lankem Robbialac is Sri Lanka’s leading paints manufacturers and one that is entirely home grown. This is the unique heritage we are happy to share with our customers. The journey has been long and eventful as we have coloured the lives of tens of thousands of Sri Lankans across the country covering many generations”, Weerasinghe concluded.