News
Market leader drives ESG goals forward, turns over new leaf in passenger transportation
By Sanath Nanayakkare
Being proactive to make an impact on Environmental and Social Goals (ESG) and strategising for consolidating its market leadership in the rapidly changing mobility landscape, David Pieris Motor Company Pvt Ltd (DPMC) on Thursday launched E-drive, a model electric three-wheeler (tuk-tuk) taxi service for passenger transportation.
Kicking off with the deployment of 20 Bajaj three-wheelers as part of the emission-free pilot project, the company boasts electric conversion done here in Sri Lanka by DPMC, replacing combustion engine entirely and installing a battery pack, an electric engine, gear, wiring, and more.
“As the experts of Bajaj vehicles in Sri Lanka, we can confidently guarantee the electric conversion done by DPMC. We are all too aware that only the correct conversion can ensure safety and comfort for the passenger travelling in the vehicle,” said Jayantha Ratnayake, Director – Parts and Accessories, David Pieris Holdings Pvt. Ltd and David Pieris Automotive Cluster.
“These three-wheelers will initially operate in Colombo and its immediate suburbs. The vehicles can easily be identified due to their unique white and green branding and the service will be available from 7 am to 7 pm from Monday to Saturday. They can be hailed down on the road, booked via the YOGO taxi-hailing mobile app and through a dedicated hotline 077 7 606077,” he said.
“The drivers of the E-drive taxi service have been trained not only on how to drive this vehicle but have also received refresher training in road rules and road etiquette. In addition, all vehicles are monitored centrally by the company. The drivers will be wearing an E-Drive uniform, and their details will be displayed in the vehicle for customer’s information, along with a telephone number to call in the event of any issues,” he explained.
Responding to a query on taxi fares, he said,” “The fares are designed to be very affordable as these three-wheelers will charge a flat rate of Rs. 65 per kilometer with no added peak hour charges. The ability to pay easily with cash or credit/debit cards is a unique facility available in this service.”
The Island learned that DPMC is the first company to obtain approval to register their converted Bajaj three-wheelers. The company said that they want not only to use this platform to allow the public to use a greener, cheaper means of transport but also to ensure passengers get a safer ride with disciplined, trained drivers. They further said that smooth rides available due to reduced vibration and the quietest three-wheeler engine on the road would set new standards for three-wheeler taxi service in Sri Lanka.
President, David Pieris Group, David Pieris speaking to The Island said,” Green mobility concept is a done deal anywhere in the world now, particularly given the environmental and social concerns of the mobility sector. If we see a positive response from passengers and other stakeholders, we will focus on a fast-growing fleet. Otherwise, we would take an appropriate decision weighing the pros and cons of the market reaction. It is always best to test the waters before you fully commit yourself to a project like this because of possible external challenges you would find in your way. I do hope regulatory barriers resulting from lobbying won’t be one of them.”
Latest News
Landslide early warnings issued to the Districts of Badulla, Kandy, Matale and Nuwara Eliya
The Landslide Early Warning Center of the National Building Research Organisation [NBRO] has issued landslide early warnings to the districts of Badulla, Kandy, Matale and Nuwara Eliya for the next 24 hours commencing at 1200hrs today [08]
Accordingly
LEVEL II AMBER landslide early warnings have been issued to the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Ududumbara in the Kandy District, Wilgamuwa in the Matale District, and Nildandahinna and Walapane in the Nuwara Eliya District.
LEVEL I YELLOW landslide early warnings have been issued to the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Meegahakiwula, Welimada, Kandaketiya, Lunugala, Badulla, Passara, Uva Paranagama and Hali_Ela in the Badulla District, Ambanganga Korale in the Matale District, and Mathurata and Hanguranketha in the Nuwara Eliya District.
Warning for deep depression over South-east Bay of Bengal Sea area.
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre, Department of Meteorology at 10.30 a.m. on 08 January 2026 for the period until 10.30 a.m. 09 January 2026
The depression in the Bay of Bengal to the southeast of Sri Lanka has intensified into a deep depression and is centered near latitude 5.4°N and longitude 85.3°E, about 420 km southeast of Pottuvil at 05.30 a.m. today (08th). The above system is currently (10:00 a.m.) located about 300 km southeast of Pottuvil.
It is very likely to move west-northwestwards across the southwest Bay of Bengal and cross the Sri Lanka coast between Hambantota and Kalmunai between 5.30 p.m. to 11.30 p.m. on Friday [9th January 2026].
Hence, showery, and windy condition over the island, particularly in the Northern, NorthCentral, Eastern, Uva and Central provinces is expected to enhance from today (08th).
For the Land area:
DAMAGE EXPECTED:
• Damage to huts, temporary shelters and light structures
• Destroy the roof tops/ sheets etc.
• Damage to power and communication lines.
• Breaking of tree branches and uprooting of large avenue trees.
• Damage to paddy crops, banana, papaya trees and orchards.
• Damage to harbor yachts
• Flash flood
• Sea water inundation in low lying areas in the near coast.
Action suggested for the Land area:
• Coastal hutment dwellers are advised to move to safer places. Other people in the affected areas to remain indoors.
• People living in hilly areas (particularly landslide prone areas) and low lying areas in river basins are requested to be vigilant.
• Drivers and people using roads in the hilly areas are requested to be vigilant.
• Beware of fallen trees and power lines.
• Avoid using wired telephones and connected electric appliances during thunderstorms.
• General public is requested to be vigilant regarding impending extreme weather situation.
• For emergency assistance contact the local disaster management authorities.
• Requested to be attentive about future advisories issued by the Department of Meteorology in this regard.
Latest News
Showers above 100 mm are likely at some places in the Eastern and Uva provinces and showers about 50-75 mm in other areas
WEATHER FORECAST FOR 08 JANUARY 2026
Issued at 05.30 a.m. on 08 January 2026 by the Department of Meteorology
The depression over the Bay of Bengal, located to the southeast of Sri Lanka, was centered near latitude 5.3°N and longitude 86.0°E, about 490 km southeast of Pottuvil, at 11:30 p.m. yesterday (07). It is expected to move west-northwestwards and towards the eastern coast of the island during next 24 hours. This system is likely to intensify further into a deep depression during the next 12 hours.
Cloudy skies can be expected over most parts of the island.
Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the Northern, North-central, Eastern, Uva, Central and Southern provinces. Showers or thundershowers may occur at several places elsewhere in the Island after 1.00 p.m. Heavy showers above 100 mm are likely at some places in the Eastern and Uva provinces. Fairly Heavy showers about (50 – 75) mm are likely at some places in the other areas of the island.
Strong winds about (50-60) kmph can be expected at times over the Eastern slopes of the central hills, the Northern, North-central, North-western and Eastern provinces and in Hambantota, Gampaha, Colombo and Monaragala districts.
The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
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