Swadeshi Industrial Works obtains enjoining orders against Lanka Sathosa & ReeBonn Lanka

The Swadeshi Industrial Works PLC, manufacturer of the market leading Swadeshi Khomba soap for almost eight decades recently obtained several enjoining orders in respect of ‘Sathosa Kohomba’ soap manufactured by ReeBonn Lanka Pvt Ltd. and marketed/distributed by Lanka Sathosa Ltd, for violation of its intellectual property rights. The Commercial High Court of Colombo Judge M.A.R Marrikar issued the enjoining orders on 15th December 2021.  

Swadeshi instituted action against Lanka Sathosa and ReeBonn Lanka on the basis that they were manufacturing, marketing and selling “Sathosa Kohomba” in violation of the registered trademarks owned by Swadeshi, as well on the basis of the Law of Unfair Competition.

The Colombo Commercial High Court upon being satisfied of the submissions of counsel for Swadeshi, Romesh de Silva PC, issued several enjoining orders which included the prevention of the Reebonn Lanka and Lanka Sathosa from in any way or manner manufacturing, distributing and selling a product which is identical or similar to its personal care product “Swadeshi Khomba” soap.

Swadeshi Khomba is a registered trademark. Furthermore, Swadeshi Khomba has gained tremendous reputation and goodwill amongst the public over a period of 80 years. Swadeshi Khomba contains natural Kohomba oil which has been trusted for generations for an authentic ayurvedic herbal therapy. Swadeshi Khomba enhances the natural beauty of the skin, is mild, yet cleans deep and gives a natural protection from germs.  Fully (100 percent) vegetarian, not tested on animals and produced cruelty free, Swadeshi Khomba is recently accredited by the Vegetarian Society, UK. Swadeshi Khomba range comprises of herbal beauty bar, herbal transparent bar, herbal baby care range, herbal shampoo, herbal body wash, herbal handwash, herbal hand sanitizer and herbal talc, reinforcing the natural protection and cleaner, soothing skin. Swadeshi Khomba is also a registered product with the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA), Sri Lanka. 

Swadeshi, a 100 percent Sri Lankan company has claimed many industry firsts to its name including the most recent Covid-19 safety management certification. The pioneer and market leader in the herbal soap and herbal personal care category in Sri Lanka, The Swadeshi Industrial Works PLC, an ISO 9001:2015 certified company, was incorporated in 1941. Swadeshi is renowned for its trademark herbal care products: Swadeshi Khomba, Rani Sandalwood and Swadeshi Khomba baby, which have been warmly embraced and trusted by Sri Lankans over the years. The company has a rich history of 80 years and is now venturing into global markets backed by its years of trusted excellence. 

The Swadeshi Industrial Works PLC was represented by President’s Counsel Romesh De Silva with Attorneys-at-law Shanaka Cooray and Vasanthakumar Niles, instructed by D. L & F De Saram – Attorneys-at-law & Notaries Public.