It is difficult to contemplate the development of Sri Lanka's manufacturing industry without recalling the unique contribution made by Sir Cyril de Zoysa (1896 to 1978). He was a dominant figure in the commercial scene for over 30 years commencing from the late forties. When Associated Motorways PLC. was established in 1949 the industrial climate as such in this country had no attraction for the entrepreneur but Sir Cyril had the basic attributes of a successful pioneer -sagacity and foresight combined with grit and determination. His energy appeared to be limitless.

When he conceived the idea of tyre rebuilding and the manufacture of rubber goods the thought that was uppermost in his mind was that Sri Lanka's natural rubber should not merely be exported and imported back into the country in various forms but instead he felt that the maximum use should be made of this raw material through indigenous manufacture. This was an obvious concept though overlooked until then. It was put into effect expeditiously and began to pay dividends within a short period.