Minister Dr. Bandula leads confab on e-mobility for public transport

UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) in collaboration with the Transport and Highways Ministry held the National Consultative Conference to introduce the concept of e-mobility for public transport in Sri Lanka, chaired by Transport, Highways and Mass Media Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana, at the Galadari Hotel, on Tuesday (25).

The Minister during his address said that in view of the economic situation in Sri Lanka and around the world, the conversion to electricity as an alternative energy source instead of fossil fuel is taking place rapidly. He said that under such circumstances he would like to express his gratitude on behalf of the Sri Lankan Government to the ESCAP for providing support in formulating an e-mobility policy framework for Sri Lanka.

Presently the use of electric vehicles is growing rapidly in Sri Lanka, which is vital as an environmental-friendly, cost-effective source of energy, which has many benefits like reduced air emissions and reduced noise pollution, the Minister said.

He further said that in order to promote this concept, the Government needs to pay attention to infrastructure development and establishment of charging stations. To attract the people, it is necessary to provide the ability to get these services more easily.

It is important at this moment to provide necessary incentives to investors regarding the investment opportunities available for e-mobility and according to a long-term plan, the contribution of all those involved in the project is greatly appreciated for the success of this exercise for a green economy, the Minister emphasised.

Madan Bandhu Regmi on behalf of the ESCAP Transport Division, Yosaphong Lawanual representing Thailand, Professor Shivanand Swami representing India, Secretary of the Ministry of Transport and Highways Priyantha Mayadunne, Secretary of the Ministry of Industry Thilaka Jayasundara, Secretary of the Ministry of Environment Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Prof. Amal Kumarage and a group of local and foreign representatives and scholars were present at the conference.