• Govt. to collaborate with pvt. sector to establish EV charging stations
• Kataragama, Monaragala, Ampara highlighted as priority areas
• John Keells among key players interested in infrastructure development
• Tourism authorities advocate EV-friendly facilities along tourist routes

The Government is engaging in discussions with the private transport sector to facilitate the establishment of Electric Vehicle (EV) infrastructure in tourist areas, the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (SLSEA) reveals. 

Speaking to The Sunday Morning Business, SLSEA Director General J.M. Athula stated that it was essential that the Government intervened in collaboration with the private sector to ensure the development of EV infrastructure in the country.

He pointed out that there was a demand for EVs in the tourism industry and that the lack of adequate EV infrastructure, i.e. charging stations, in tourist areas was proving to be a bottleneck preventing EV adoption in the industry.

“If anyone is interested in establishing charging stations, we will support them. We need charging stations in areas such as Kataragama, Monaragala, and Ampara since the tourism industry is looking to adopt EVs. However, the industry is yet to adopt EVs because of the lack of charging stations in these areas,” he said. 

He added that the Government was unable to implement such EV infrastructure by itself considering the amount of financial resources that would need to be invested in. 

Accordingly, he noted that the Government was looking to facilitate the process whereby the private sector would set up and maintain the required infrastructure.

Athula further revealed that several discussions had been held with the private transport sector, which had expressed an interest in investing in the development of EV infrastructure in Sri Lanka, with John Keells Holdings in particular having extensive plans in this regard. 

With regard to the development of EV infrastructure in tourist areas, he noted that tourist authorities had expressed an interest in facilitating this.

Meanwhile, speaking to The Sunday Morning Business, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) Deputy Director General Upali Ratnayake said that they were looking to work together with other Government agencies to develop EV infrastructure in tourist areas in tandem with the private sector. 

Accordingly, he said that the SLTDA would provide the required support to facilitate and encourage the private sector in developing the requisite EV infrastructure.

He further stated that the development of this infrastructure was a vital initiative and must be implemented not only in tourist areas but along all routes. 

Ratnayake also explained that while tourists may stay in tourist areas, the necessary EV infrastructure must be provided along the routes they travelled through as well.

“EV charging stations should provide some sort of resting facility so that customers can have some refreshments and use the restroom while they wait for the vehicle to charge. Such an arrangement would be a more practical way of implementing this,” he added.