(LANKAPUVATH | COLOMBO) – An awareness discussion was held today in the Ministry about the program to popularize electric vehicles among the people, which is being implemented according to a concept of the Minister of Transport, Highways and Mass Media, Dr. Bandula Gunawardena.
Speaking during the discussion, Minister Gunawardena said Pitipana area of Homagama has been identified as the most suitable to develop under the concept of developing one selected village as a green village under the Ministry of Transport.
“Even now, NSBM Green University is located in this area. There are many other institutions including CINTECH Institute. All vehicles that provide transportation facilities for those, should be gradually converted to electric vehicles.”
The Minister noted that there are a large number of vehicles including electric bicycles manufactured by many institutions in Sri Lanka. There is a possibility of introducing these vehicles for the staff of the institutions in this area.
“More than twenty companies across Sri Lanka are engaged in the production of electric vehicles, but the majority of people in the country do not have a practical understanding of this. Electric vehicles that can be driven at a cost of several cents per kilometer have been manufactured in Sri Lanka. Under the concept of greening the Ministry of Transport as an example for the country, there is the possibility of introducing the use of these vehicles to the ministry officials.”
In order to give the people a wider understanding about the use of electric vehicles, an exhibition on green vehicles has been organized in the Pitipana area on the 14th and 15th October with the participation of local designers.
For the exhibition, arrangements have been made to invite senior decision-making officials of all ministries and institutions including the Ministry of Finance, Customs Department, Inland Revenue Department, Ministry of Industry, Ministry of Environment, Industrial Development Board to give them a practical experience.
Green University, Institute of Nano Technology, Department of Motor Transport Commissioner, Mahinda Rajapaksa College and other local institutions will also contribute to the exhibition.
The main objective of this exhibition is to draw the attention of the heads of government agencies and the manufacturers of electric bicycles and motorcycles and other vehicles to promote the use of electric vehicles as the only alternative to the increasing fuel problem.
At this time, the government should provide maximum support to encourage such producers. Many foreign countries follow the same practice. The specialty in Sri Lanka is that there is no need to import any equipment from abroad for the production of these vehicles.
“I believe that through this exhibition organized by the Ministry of Transport and Highways with the participation and cooperation of other institutions, we will be able to bring the green concept closer to the people,” Minister of Transport said.
