Jetwing Hotels Chairman Ruan Samarasinghe and Managing Director Dmitri Cooray, Jetwing Symphony PLC and Lighthouse Hotels Chairman Hiran Cooray, Vega Innovations CEO Harsha Subasinghe, US Ambassador Julie Chung, Jetwing Hotels Director – Marketing and Development Hashan Cooray, USAID Mission Director Gabriel Grau, and Jetwing Hotels Manager – Operations Harin Cooray
- Jetwing Colombo Seven and USAID partner to boost electric vehicle ecosystem
In a remarkable display of commitment to sustainability and innovation, Jetwing Colombo Seven has embarked on an exciting collaboration with the USAID Sri Lanka Energy Programme. This ground-breaking partnership promises to usher in a new era of environmentally-conscious transportation within the hospitality sector while setting a compelling example for Sri Lanka’s power sector transformation.
At the heart of this visionary project lies a dedication to environmental stewardship and innovation. The centrepiece of this initiative is the installation of a cutting-edge 19.8 kW solar photovoltaic (PV) system, which complements the existing grid-tied PV system at the hotel. As US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung explained, this net-metered connection will meticulously track electricity consumption for electric vehicle (EV) charging, ensuring a seamless balance between power usage and generation.
This was highlighted at the official launch held at Jetwing Colombo Seven on 26 September, where it was also shared that any surplus electricity generated will be seamlessly integrated back into the hotel’s grid, underlining Jetwing Colombo Seven’s unwavering commitment to sustainable energy practices.
The most exciting aspect of this collaboration is the establishment of solar-powered charging facilities for electric vehicles on the hotel premises. Four charging bays equipped with chargers supplied by ChargeNET will be available to cater to hotel-owned vehicles, guest vehicles, and external users. This strategic inclusion aligns perfectly with Jetwing Colombo Seven’s commitment to bolster Sri Lanka’s burgeoning EV ecosystem.
To further elevate the guest experience, it was announced that Jetwing Colombo Seven will pioneer the commercial use of Vega Innovations’ electric three-wheelers. These impressive vehicles boast a 10kWh battery capacity and an impressive 125 km range, all powered by renewable energy. This innovative addition will revolutionise the hotel’s internal logistics and guest transport services, offering an unparalleled zero-emission travel experience to its guests.
The collaboration between Jetwing Colombo Seven and the USAID Sri Lanka Energy Programme underscores the pivotal role of private-sector partnerships in advancing Sri Lanka’s power sector transformation toward a more secure, reliable, and environmentally-sustainable future. Chung expressed her enthusiasm during the handover ceremony of an EV charging station, stating: “Today we are here to celebrate the first in a series of grants from USAID’s energy programme to support solar-powered vehicle charging stations or battery swapping stations around Colombo. With its grant, Jetwing will set up two stations at the hotel and add Vega-built electric three-wheelers for guest transportation and tours. This pilot, once proven to be commercially viable, will serve as a model to be replicated by other industries across Sri Lanka. USAID remains committed to this sector and will work with you all to reach our shared vision.”
Jetwing Symphony PLC Chairman Hiran Cooray too expressed his deep appreciation for the partnership, saying: “We extend our gratitude to USAID and the American people; we are delighted to witness the remarkable progress being spearheaded by CodeGen and Vega Innovations in Sri Lanka. We are proud to be a part of this transformative initiative dedicated to the proliferation of electric vehicles and the integration of solar energy to power our nation. As a brand that has had sustainability at its forefront through the past 50 years of operation, we recognise the immense potential and importance of these sustainable endeavours and eagerly embrace the positive impact they bring to our beautiful motherland.”
Further emphasising the significance of the partnership, Cooray stated: “As we embark on this exciting journey towards a more sustainable and eco-conscious future, I want to emphasise the immense potential that lies ahead. Our partnership with the USAID Sri Lanka Energy Programme not only aligns with our core values, but also symbolises a shared commitment to progress. We firmly believe that this initiative will not only benefit our guests but also contribute to the broader mission of a greener Sri Lanka. Together, we’re not just shaping the future of hospitality; we’re contributing to a brighter, more sustainable future for our beloved nation. It’s a privilege to be part of this transformative endeavour, and we’re excited about the positive impact it will have on our environment and our communities.”
Jetwing Colombo Seven’s collaboration with the USAID Sri Lanka Energy Programme not only underscores the hotel’s commitment to sustainability but also sets a shining example for the hospitality industry and beyond. It’s a story of innovation, environmental consciousness, and the relentless pursuit of a greener, more sustainable future. As the world looks to reduce its carbon footprint, this partnership stands as a beacon of hope and a testament to the positive change that can be achieved through visionary collaborations.