Business
Need for manufacturer-authorized brand new EVs stressed
A key factor that needs to be borne in mind when introducing electric vehicles (EV) to Sri Lanka is the need to allow only manufacturer authorized brand-new vehicles of this kind into the country, it was revealed at a recent forum organized by the Ceylon Motor Traders Association (CMTA) and the Association of International Marketing Graduates in Sri Lanka (AIMG). The event which was titled ‘Road to Electrification’ was held at the Jetwing Colombo.
A press release said: ‘The joint forum was participated in by over 100 automotive industry experts, marketers, corporate leaders, executives, and professionals and was aimed at initiating productive discussion within the community and imparting knowledge on the introduction of EV to the Sri Lankan market and its impact on the economy of Sri Lanka.
‘The speakers at the event included Dr. Harsha Subasinghe, founder of VEGA, the first electric super car made in Sri Lanka; Dr. Niles Perera, logistics specialist from the University of Moratuwa; Ms. Maricor Muzones, regional program development lead for GGGI; and Lalith De Alwis, additional secretary for the Ministry of Transport and Highways. Yasendra Amerasinghe, immediate past Chairman of CMTA and CEO of Carmart (Pvt) Ltd, served as the moderator.
‘A vibrant and thought-provoking panel discussion took place, with the speakers sharing their knowledge of technical expertise, environmental protection, and regulatory policy development requirements to embrace the EV age. While both the pros & cons of the EV rollout was well highlighted, one key factor which was established was the need to strongly regulate the EV eco-system and for the need to allow only manufacturer authorized brand-new electric vehicles to the country.
‘In his introduction, Dr. Subasinghe stated that “the future for electrically powered vehicles is very bright” and delved into the benefits and issues of EVs that we need to overcome. He further stressed the importance of charging networks and the exportation of charges to other countries, and he shared his wealth of experience on batteries, controllers, etc. Speaking in terms of electricity generation, Dr. Subasinghe delved into SMR (small modular reactor) systems and the possibility of Sri Lanka adapting them.
‘Ms. Maricor Muzones spoke on GGGI, which is a treaty-based organization operating to get the principle of green growth in Sri Lanka. In her opinion, “Sri Lanka has put in many development policies, out of which the transport policy is now being reviewed for strengthening.” Although the mandate is available, how it should be operationalized is the question. “GGGI is looking at supporting the government and there should be an operational plan’. GGGI’s role is to support the government of Sri Lanka; however, Muzones believes the involvement of the private sector is vital.
‘De Alwis, as a Sri Lanka Government representative, stated, “Transport is the key factor to the economy, and there are guidelines being prepared for EV vehicles with the support of the UNDP.” De Alwis also spoke on the financial issues and the national transport action plan that is being prepared, including e-mobility, technology, environmental protection, infrastructure, etc. Concluding, De Alwis spoke on the policy changes needed and highlighted the important factors relating to the awareness of EV.’ He also stated that by 2030, there will be an action plan in place to develop renewable energy sources up to 70%, and he asked for private sector participation in this effort.
‘Dr. Niles stated that in transportation there is a lot of movement toward sustainable transportation, mentioning that EV is the fastest developing technology. The aim should be to move faster with better sustainable resources, and in order to do that, it is important to look at the supply chains for electric vehicles, such as mining and so on. He also stated that “there should be a plan to train people, provide charging stations, and build other infrastructure to support electric mobility.” Converting the existing fleet to electric vehicles is not feasible. For the transition, a new fleet of electric vehicles should be brought in, and in terms of energy, his point was to ensure Sri Lanka’s energy security while putting the required regulations and infra-structure in place.
‘The event concluded with a question-and-answer session. The corporate partners of CMTA and AIMG are SLIC, HNB Leasing, SLT-Mobitel, Sampath Bank & Emerging Media.’
At its 2026 Social Sustainability Programme Kick-Off, the UN Global Compact Network Sri Lanka convened business leaders to advance the translation of global ambition into practical corporate action on inclusion, integrity and human rights.
On 24 February 2026, the UN Global Compact Network Sri Lanka (Network Sri Lanka) convened business leaders at Barefoot Garden Café for its 2026 Social Sustainability Programme Kick-Off, delivered in collaboration with Good Life X.
The gathering did more than introduce a calendar of events. It positioned Sri Lanka’s corporate community within the broader direction of the UN Global Compact’s 2026–2030 global strategy — a strategy anchored in three imperatives: equipping companies to act, catalyzing collective action, and advancing the business case for responsible leadership.
At its core, the 2026 Social Sustainability agenda is designed to move companies from commitment to capability.
Within the Diversity & Inclusion Working Group, this means building practical pathways toward equal pay for equal work and strengthening male allyship as a governance issue rather than a cultural afterthought. It means examining sexual and reproductive health, disability inclusion, and mental health not as employee benefits, but as structural determinants of productivity and retention. It means sharpening strategic communications so inclusion is embedded in brand integrity. It also means applying science-based behavioural change approaches to shift organizational culture in measurable ways.
Across the Business & Human Rights Working Group, equipping companies takes the form of deepened engagement on decent work and living wage implementation, strengthening human rights due diligence processes, and addressing emerging risk areas such as AI and digital rights. It extends to reinforcing business integrity and anti-corruption frameworks, understanding the social dimensions of a just transition, and recognizing the link between child rights, nutrition, and workforce productivity.
Union Bank of Colombo PLC announced its proposed Debenture Issue 2026, a strategic move aimed at raising up to LKR 3 billion. This issue is designed to bolster the Bank’s Tier II capital base and provide a robust financial foundation for its upcoming growth initiatives.
The offering consists of Basel III compliant, listed, rated, unsecured, subordinated, redeemable high-yield debentures with Non-Viability Conversion. The instrument has been assigned a rating of BB (lka) by Fitch Ratings (Lanka) Ltd, reflecting the bank’s creditworthiness and the structured nature of the subordinated debt.
Investors can choose from three distinct interest structures starting from a high-yield 13% fixed rate per annum (Type A). This option is paid annually, while Type B offers a 12.5% fixed rate paid semi-annually (12.89% AER). For those seeking market-linked returns, Type C provides a floating rate of the 182-days Treasury Bill rate plus a 400-basis point margin, also paid semi-annually.
The debentures are priced at LKR 100 per unit with a 5-year tenure (2026–2031). The initial issue size is set at 20,000,000 debentures with an option to raise 10,000,000 at the discretion of the Bank and is scheduled to open on 10 March 2026.
Shanka Abeywardene, Chief Financial Officer of Union Bank stated “This debenture issue marks a significant step in the Bank’s journey towards enhanced financial stability. By strengthening its capital adequacy, Union Bank is well-positioned to navigate evolving market conditions while fuelling its long-term strategic objectives for sustainable growth”
WindForce PLC announced the appointment of Sanjay Kulatunga as an Independent, Non-Executive Director to its Board with effect from 03rd March 2026, following the resignation of Dilshan Hettiaratchi. The appointment further strengthens the Company’s governance framework, strategic oversight, and long-term decision-making capabilities.
Kulatunga brings an established track record as a founder, entrepreneur, and senior executive across financial services and export-oriented industries. He is the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of LYNEAR Wealth Management, a boutique investment firm established in 2013, which has since grown to become one of Sri Lanka’s largest private wealth management institutions, serving high-net-worth individuals as well as local and international institutional clients.
Prior to founding LYNEAR, Kulatunga played a pivotal role in the establishment of Amba Research, an investment research offshoring firm rooted in Sri Lanka and now operating as part of Acuity Analytics.
Over the years, he has contributed extensively to several key national institutions. His previous appointments include serving on the Financial Sector Stability Consultative Committee of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, as well as the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka and the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka.
England elect to field first at Wankhede
Iran denies its drones hit airport in Azerbaijan’s exclave as war widens
Daren Sammy issues plea as West Indies remain stuck in Kolkata hotel
Nepal election 2026: When will we get the results?
‘It’s so good to be home’ – passengers on Dubai-Dublin flight
India’s momentum meets Wankhede’s memory in big semifinal bout
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
Sunday Island 27 December – Headlines
#SundayIsland 17th December – Headlines
Sunday Island – 28th March
Sunday Island Headlines – 21 March
Sunday Island – 21st February – Headlines
-
Features4 days agoBrilliant Navy officer no more
-
Opinion7 days agoJamming and re-setting the world: What is the role of Donald Trump?
-
Features7 days agoAn innocent bystander or a passive onlooker?
-
Opinion4 days agoSri Lanka – world’s worst facilities for cricket fans
-
Business7 days agoAn efficacious strategy to boost exports of Sri Lanka in medium term
-
Business1 day agoCabinet nod for the removal of Cess tax imposed on imported good
-
Features4 days agoA life in colour and song: Rajika Gamage’s new bird guide captures Sri Lanka’s avian soul
-
Features5 days agoOverseas visits to drum up foreign assistance for Sri Lanka