Lankan designer modifies old cars with fibre glass

by Nimal Perera, Wattala Group corr.

Rangith Hettiarachchi of Diulpitiya Boralesgamuwa is an young talented 'body kit' designer who can modify any type of vehicle by using fibreglass.

Hettiarachchi says that he can modify any low priced vehicle in to a latest model vehicle. "This has become a new fashion today. Specially this system is popularised among the youth. Any vehicle will get a new look from this system. Lot of people are trying to get modify their vehicles by using fibreglass. There can be no high cost under this system as we are using only the fibreglass. But the value of the vehicle will increase after modifying," Hettiarachchi said.

Hettiarachchi further said that the cost will be very high if we go to modify the vehicles with the original plates. The plate molds were also very expensive. But when they modify the vehicles with fibreglass then the molds too can make fibreglass very cheaply," he said.

According to his opinion this is the most suitable and cheapest way to modify vehicles. Even a vehicle met with an accident the fibreglass system is more suitable and cheapest to repair it, Rangith said.

"When we modify the vehicles we can change Buffers, Bonats, Mudguards, and head lamps too. But that will depend on the owner's request. I do the job according to their satisfaction," Hettiarachchi said.

Hettiarachchi 27 year old body kit designer was born in Moneragala and educated at Mahanama M.M. Vidyalaya. After he got through the G.C.E. A/L Examination he had an opportunity to come to Colombo and to work as a labourer at a leading motor garage.

There he had a complete training on motor repairs and vehicle modifying.

After working 4 years he left the place and started the business on his own at a small rented building in Pamankada area.

In 6 months time he was lucky to get a land and a building in Boralesgamuwa area under the lease basis and expanded the business.

"Today I am having a fair amount of customers. I have given jobs for nearly 10."

My main business is modifying the vehicles. I am also doing repairs, making body kits and stickers. I must thank Sarath Silva Director, U.S.S. Services Ltd.

Who helps me by giving fibreglass raw materials in credit basis. My future aim will be to buy a land and put up a modern business place and expand my business activities," Hettiarachchi said.