Business

John Keells CG Auto opens BYD showroom & service center: Launches Plug-in Hybrid BYD SEALION 6 DM – i

Published

2 years ago

2024/08/25

The ceremonially opening of the BYD Service Center by (from left) CG Corp Global Managing Director Nirvana Kumar Chaudhary, BYD Auto Industry Co. Ltd, General Manager of Asia - Pacific Auto Sales Division, Liu Xueliang, Chairperson of the John Keells Group, Krishan Balendra

Plug-in Hybrid BYD SEALION 6 DM – i launched in Sri Lanka

Iterates commitment to develop EV infrastructure and sustainable transportation

John Keells CG Auto, the authorized distributor for BYD passenger vehicles in Sri Lanka, proudly opened the doors of the BYD showroom and the service center in Colombo with the launch of the Plug-in Hybrid BYD SEALION 6 DM – I, a JKH news release said.

The grand opening ceremony, held at the showroom situated at 447, Union Place, Colombo 02, was attended by prominent dignitaries including BYD Auto Industry Co. Ltd, General Manager of Asia – Pacific Auto Sales Division, Liu Xueliang, Chairperson of the John Keells Group, Krishan Balendra and CG Corp Global Managing Director Nirvana Kumar Chaudhary.

Speaking at the ceremony, BYD Auto Industry Co. Ltd. General Manager Auto Sales Division (Asia- Pacific), Liu Xueliang committed to supporting Sri Lanka with the adoption of a sustainable transport ecosystem. “Over the past 27 years, we have worked on perfecting every aspect of creating a sustainable transport eco system across different regions. Our expertise and experience in technologies ranging from batteries, electric motors, electronic control systems and automotive grade chips have made us the global leader in New Energy Vehicles. We are delighted to funnel this knowledge and expertise to Sri Lanka and support the nation in creating a sustainable transportation industry.”

The BYD SEALION 6 DM – i, the first plug-in hybrid automobile launched in Sri Lanka, showcases the manufacturer’s advanced electricity- based Dual Motor – Intelligence (DM-i) plug-in hybrid technology. Supplemented by an engine for additional support, the BYD SEALION 6 DM – i is distinguished by its high-power motor drive and large-capacity power battery as the main supply,” the release said.

“The technical prowess of the SEALION 6 DM – i includes a high-efficiency engine and an electric hybrid system that boasts a highly integrated powertrain, reducing both weight and volume by 30%. With an impressive range of 1092 kilometers, the SEALION 6 DM – i combines cutting-edge features like a 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen, a safe head-up display, the Ocean Aesthetics Design Concept, and the Oceanic Crystal gear lever. service center expected to offer comprehensive support to the new generation of automobiles in the country. Located at 186, Vauxhall Street, Colombo 2, the service center is home to the first NEV-focused workshop in Sri Lanka. The state-of-the-art facility, equipped to service fully electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid automobiles purchased from John Keells CG Auto, offers access to engineers and specialists trained by BYD. Moreover, the center includes specialized tools and equipment for high voltage (HV) repairs and services.

“Notably, the service center has been fitted out with unique BYD tools such as the Vehicle Diagnostic System (VDS), radar calibration system, and battery testing equipment which ensure precise maintenance. The workshop is also equipped with a 30kW fast charger and a 7kW wall charger for vehicle charging and testing purposes.

“Additional features include a temperature controlled battery storage room, body and paint repair facilities, vehicle detailing, wheel alignment, brake bleeding, A/C recharging, and comprehensive washing facilities. The company further ensure environmental compliance with the installation of an advanced water treatment plant and stringent fire safety protocols that meet all industry standards.”

Commenting on the dawn of a new era in sustainable transportation, John Keells Holdings Chairperson Krishan Balendra said: “Our partnership with BYD in November 2023 marked a significant milestone for the John Keells Group and Sri Lanka’s automotive landscape. This collaboration aligns with our commitment to sustainability and innovation, offering a transformative shift towards cleaner, more efficient transportation solutions. By introducing BYD’s advanced new energy vehicles to Sri Lanka, we are not only expanding our portfolio but also supporting the country’s broader environmental goals.

“We are also dedicated to fostering a robust ecosystem for new energy vehicles which includes establishing a comprehensive charging infrastructure, developing a state-of-the-art service center, ensuring a steady supply chain, and providing careers for skilled technicians to support this transition. We are confident that this initiative will pave the way for a greener future and enhance the overall mobility experience in Sri Lanka.”

Also speaking at the event CG Corp Global Managing Director Nirvana Kumar Chaudhary added, “CG Corp Global is proud to support Sri Lanka’s journey towards sustainable development. The introduction of BYD’s advanced NEVs will play a crucial role in achieving our environmental goals. We are committed to fostering innovation and supporting initiatives that drive economic and environmental progress in Sri Lanka.”

About JKCG Auto

John Keells CG Auto (Private) Limited (JKCG) is a subsidiary of John Keells Holdings PLC and CG Auto Pte. Ltd, having entered the automotive industry in 2023. JKCG Auto is the authorized distributor of BYD passenger vehicles, parts, and services in Sri Lanka, committed to building customer confidence in New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) and setting new standards for NEVs while supporting the development of an ecosystem for NEVs in Sri Lanka.

About JKH

JKH is the largest conglomerate listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange, operating with over 70 companies in seven diverse industry sectors. With a history of over 150 years, John Keells Group provides employment to over 14,000 persons and has been ranked as Sri Lanka’s ‘Most Respected Entity’ for the last 18 years by LMD magazine. John Keells Holdings PLC was ranked first for the fourth consecutive year in the ‘Transparency in Corporate Reporting Assessment’ by Transparency International Sri Lanka. A full member of the World Economic Forum and a participant of the UN Global Compact, JKH drives its CSR vision of “Empowering the Nation for Tomorrow” through John Keells Foundation and through the social entrepreneurship initiative, ‘Plasticcycle’, which is a catalyst in significantly reducing plastic pollution in Sri Lanka.

About BYD

BYD is a multinational high-tech company devoted to leveraging technological innovations for a better life. Founded in 1995 as a rechargeable battery maker, BYD now boasts a diverse business scope covering automobiles, rail transit, new energy, and electronics, with over 30 industrial parks in China, the United States, Canada, Japan, Brazil, Hungary, and India. From energy generation and storage to its applications, BYD is dedicated to providing zero-emission energy solutions that reduce global reliance on fossil fuels. Its new energy vehicle footprint now covers 6 continents, over 70 countries and regions, and more than 400 cities. Listed in both Hong Kong and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges, the company is known to be a Fortune Global 500 enterprise that furnishes innovations in pursuit of a greener world. For more information, please visit www.bydglobal.com.

About CG Corp. Global

With a prolific history of over 140 years, CG Global is a distinguished multinational corporation headquartered in Dubai, with its Global Electric Mobility headquarters in Singapore. From its humble beginnings, it has grown to become Nepal’s largest business enterprise. Today, CG Corp Global employs 20,000 people and operates across more than 32 countries worldwide, spanning diverse business sectors. The group has been constantly investing into Sri Lanka since 2001 in hospitality sector with reputed properties Taj Samudra Colombo, Jet Wing, CHC, etc; major acquisitions in financial services sector under Union Bank of Colombo keeping confidence in Sri Lanka economy and people.

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Business

Super El Niño threatens to deepen Sri Lanka’s drought and economic woes

Published

8 hours ago

2026/09/4

Thilina Walpola

By Ifham Nizam

A potentially dangerous El Niño is gathering strength across the Pacific, with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) warning that the climate event is expected to become very strong and continue into February 2027, raising the risks of drought, floods, extreme heat and major disruptions to rainfall patterns worldwide.

The warning has particular significance for Sri Lanka, where communities in several agricultural districts are already facing severe drought, depleted water sources and shrinking farm incomes.

The WMO said yesterday that forecasts from its Global Producing Centres show an “exceptionally high likelihood of nearly 100%” that El Niño will persist through February next year. The organisation said this is the first time one of its El Niño/La Niña updates has been so unequivocal, reflecting strong agreement among forecasting systems.

The event, driven by exceptionally warm waters in the tropical Pacific, is expected to strengthen further in the coming months, reach very strong intensity and peak towards the end of this year. Its climate impacts, however, are expected to continue well into 2027.

According to Meteorological Organization

Sri Lanka is already experiencing the consequences.

A Reuters report published on Wednesday from drought-affected areas said rainfall deficits of between 85% and 100% have been recorded in important farming regions including Ampara and Monaragala.

Wells, tanks, rivers and lakes have dried up, while tens of thousands of people are depending on government water deliveries, with some remote communities reportedly waiting up to 23 days for supplies.

The drought is also rapidly becoming an economic problem for rural communities. Croplands have withered, livestock operations have been affected and farmers who have lost their harvests are being forced to seek daily-paid employment to survive.

The latest WMO outlook also warns that the consequences of El Niño will not necessarily be uniform. The severity and timing of impacts in individual countries depend on geography, season and other climate drivers, including conditions in the Indian and Atlantic oceans.

For Sri Lanka, the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) will therefore be crucial. The WMO expects a positive IOD to develop, with a September-November seasonal mean of about 0.9°C. This could modify the normal influence of El Niño on rainfall over the region.

That creates another potential risk for Sri Lanka: the country may have to prepare not only for continued drought but also for episodes of intense rainfall, flooding and landslides later in the year. Climate variability increasingly means that a prolonged water shortage can be followed by sudden and destructive rainfall rather than a gradual return to normal conditions.

For Sri Lanka, the warning should therefore be viewed as an economic and national-planning issue, not simply a meteorological forecast. Agriculture, drinking water, electricity generation, food imports, public expenditure and rural livelihoods could all be affected.

Business

ABC Trade & Investment – All-China Environment Federation partner to drive Sri Lanka’s green infrastructure and investment

Published

8 hours ago

2026/09/4

Thilina Walpola

ABC Trade & Investments (Pvt) Ltd, a leading homegrown conglomerate in Sri Lanka’s ICT distribution and diversified business landscape, has formally entered into a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the All-China Environment Federation (ACEF). The partnership establishes a collaborative framework aimed at accelerating new-energy development, water management, and environmental protection projects across Sri Lanka.

The agreement bridges advanced Chinese engineering capabilities, equipment, technical expertise, and investment resources with ABC Trade & Investments’ local operational strength, market insight, and project implementation skills. By pairing international technology with on-the-ground execution, the initiative is designed to address Sri Lanka’s long-term environmental and civil infrastructure priorities.

The MoU was signed by Amalrajah Jayaseelan, Director/CEO of ABC Trade & Investment (Pvt) Ltd, and Shi Xiang, Secretary-General of the Belt & Road Eco-Industry Cooperation Working Committee of ACEF. The signing took place during the China–Sri Lanka Environmental & Energy Exchange and Cooperation Meeting at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Grounds in Colombo, held under the theme “Empower Green Development, Jointly Build a New Pattern of China–Sri Lanka Environmental & Energy Industry.”

Business

Heavy buying interest slows down stock trading

Published

8 hours ago

2026/09/4

Thilina Walpola

By Hiran H. Senewiratne

The CSE yesterday was very active at the outset but later slowed down due to heavy buying interest noted for select stocks.Amid those developments both indices moved upwards. The S and P SL20 went up by 23.73 points. Turnover stood at Rs 2.44 billion with 10 crossings.

The crossings were: Renuka Foods 19 million shares crossed for Rs 502 million; its shares traded at Rs 25.30, Dipped Products 1.9 million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 117 million; its shares traded at Rs 60.50, JKH 3.9 million shares crossed for Rs 78 million; its shares sold at Rs 19.70, Dialog Axiata 1 million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 46.6 million; its shares traded at Rs 46.40, Tokyo Cement 500,000 shares crossed for Rs 39.5 million; its shares sold at Rs 79 and Watawela Plantations 800,000 shares crossed for Rs 34 million; its shares were Rs 42.50 each.

In the retail market companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were; Vallibel Finance Rs 281 million (3.3 million shares traded), Dipped Products Rs 114 million (1.9 million shares traded), Haycarb Rs 90 million (424,000 shares traded), Alumax Rs 42 million (2.6 million shares traded), HNB Rs 38.5 million (102,000 shares traded), Swisstec Rs 30 million (506,000 shares traded) and Sierra Cables Rs 34 million (880,000 shares traded). During the day 118 million share volumes changed hands in 17802 transactions.

It is said that mixed market reactions were noted during the day. Financial sector, especially Vallibel Finance, performed well, while the manufacturing sector, especially JKH and Hayleys , performed significantly.

Meanwhile, Co-operative Insurance Company announced the redemption of 1,100,000 cumulative redeemable preference shares issued in December 2020 to the Health Department Co-Operative Thrift & Credit Society.

The total redemption consideration of Rs 16.61 million, including a 9 percent per annum cumulative dividend, is set for settlement on August 31, 2026.

Yesterday the rupee was quoted at Rs 328.25/35 to the US dollar in the spot market, stronger from Rs 328.30/60 the previous day, while bond yields were somewhat steady, dealers said.