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SLING Mobility and USAID collaborate to propel sustainable E-Mobility and clean energy in Sri Lanka

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(from right) CEO, Sling Mobility - Love Yadav presenting the Battery Swapping Station to Director of Office of Economic Growth Sri Lanka, USAID - Christopher Powers and Chief of Party, Sri Lanka Energy Program, USAID - Rick Whitaker Rider from Sling Mobility swapping the battery

In a significant stride towards advancing e-mobility and clean energy initiatives, SLING Mobility, in collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Sri Lanka Energy Program, successfully launched the “360° Sustainable Mobility” battery swapping project. The official handover ceremony on November 28, 2023, at the Center for Women’s Research (CENWOR) in Colombo was attended by Love Yadav, General Partner of Lion Ventures in Sri Lanka and Chris Powers, Director, Office of Economic Growth, USAID.

This groundbreaking project will establish an operational framework for an electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem, with an emphasis on utilizing solar power as a main energy source. The pilot project introduces two solar-powered battery-swapping stations strategically located at CENWOR and Fusion Sarvodaya in Colombo. The stations have the capacity to recharge and store batteries, ensuring a seamless and sustainable electric two-wheeler refueling model.

SLING Mobility’s comprehensive approach covers all aspects of the EV ecosystem, from energy generation to consumption. The company’s business strategy, centered around providing cost-effective and efficient mobility solutions to the retail logistics sector through its smart electric vehicle ecosystem, has now become a tangible reality. The model addresses the critical need for efficient battery swapping, minimizing downtime for riders, particularly in the context of collaborative efforts with Uber for food delivery services. This not only results in cost and time savings but also facilitates a trial of the business model’s effectiveness.

The initiative introduces a battery subscription, which significantly enhances affordability by eliminating the initial high-cost barrier for riders. By focusing on the most substantial individual cost for e-bikes and batteries, the company aims to make electric vehicle adoption more accessible.

SLING Mobility and the USAID Sri Lanka Energy Program are committed to engaging with marginalized and economically disadvantaged populations, aiming to stimulate their interest in the retail logistics industry through the use of electric vehicles. The project organized and executed four outreach initiatives, reaching over 100 participants from diverse backgrounds. As a result, the team trained 16 drivers and supported 10 individuals to obtain licenses for the first time, showcasing the project’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and economic empowerment.

SLING Mobility’s collaboration with USAID marks a significant step towards a sustainable and green future for urban mobility in Sri Lanka. The “360° Sustainable Mobility” battery swapping project is not just a technological innovation but a testament to the transformative power of partnerships driving positive change.

The USAID Sri Lanka Energy Program is one component of the United States’ long-standing partnership with the Sri Lankan people to promote a healthy, educated, and employed population. The program supports transforming Sri Lanka’s power sector into a market-based, secure, reliable, and sustainable system by mobilizing investment to deploy advanced technologies, increase flexibility, and enhance competitiveness.

To find out more about USAID’s work, please see usaid.gov/sri-lanka and follow us on Twitter @USAIDSriLanka and Facebook @USAIDSriLankaMaldives.



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Business

SL High Commission in London hosts business promotion dialogue

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Sujeeva Nivunhella reporting from London

In a bid to support Sri Lankan small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) entrepreneurs in the UK, the High Commission of Sri Lanka in London, in collaboration with NLC Consultants-UK, hosted the inaugural Sri Lanka Business Promotion Dialogue recently.

The event, designed to assist startup businesses led by Lankan entrepreneurs, aimed to foster business growth, enhance international market access for Sri Lankan-origin products in the UK, and expand employment opportunities for Lankans living in Britain.

Delivering the opening remarks at the dialogue, Minister (Commercial) of the High Commission Somasena Mahadiulwewa emphasized the significance of the event series. He underscored the initiative’s long-term goal of establishing a dedicated SME Entrepreneurs’ Hub at the High Commission, in line with the vision of the new Sri Lankan government and guidance from the country’s Foreign Affairs and other relevant ministries.

As part of the event’s knowledge-sharing sessions, Ranganath Abeykoonge, a Chartered Accountant and Managing Director of Sonic Builders in London, shared insights on his journey to business success. Drawing from his experiences, including working at major UK companies like TK Maxx, Abeykoonge encouraged young Lankan entrepreneurs to capitalize on business opportunities in the UK while also creating jobs for their fellow nationals.

Thilak Dharmarathne, a past member of the Sri Lanka AAT Council and Director of NLC Consultants-UK, delivered an address highlighting strategies for business growth and market penetration.

A panel discussion, chaired by Mahadiulwewa, addressed key concerns faced by Lankan business owners in the UK. Panellists included Nayana Kularathne, a Chartered Accountant, who provided guidance on tax and accounting matters; Heshan Mathugamage, a Sri Lankan lawyer and Director of NLC Consultants-UK, who addressed company startup queries; Mohamed Sameen, a UK solicitor, who covered legal business processes; and Kosala Perera, an HR consultant, who discussed employment policies in the UK.

Mahadiulwewa also shared details of the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), a duty-free opportunity announced by UK authorities in June 2023, which Sri Lankan exporters can leverage to access the UK market. Additionally, he outlined regulations concerning product labeling, food, and other product standards, offering valuable insights to aspiring exporters.

During the Q&A session, Mahadiulwewa presented a list of existing and potential export items from Sri Lanka to the UK, along with investment and tourism opportunities available in Sri Lanka.

The interactive event saw participation from 30 Lankan entrepreneurs, with discussions conducted in Sinhala, Tamil, and English. The next Sri Lanka Business Promotion Dialogue is scheduled to take place in Manchester in April 2025, promising to extend support to more Lankan entrepreneurs across the UK.

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Tourism Malaysia launches sales mission to strengthen ties with Lankan market

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Tourism Malaysia is excited to announce the launch of its Sales Mission in Colombo, aimed at revitalizing its presence and strengthening its relationship with the Sri Lankan tourism market. This initiative follows a remarkable 122% increase in Sri Lankan tourists to Malaysia, with 58,015 visitors in 2024 compared to just 26,058 in 2019, prior to the pandemic.

The mission emphasizes Malaysia’s potential as a key travel destination for Sri Lankans, highlighted by 30 weekly flights from Colombo, offering a seat capacity of 4,990. Hishamuddin Mustafa, Director of Tourism Malaysia Chennai (South India & Sri Lanka), stated, “We are here to reconnect with local industry players, express our gratitude for their support, and explore new opportunities for collaboration. The participation of 45 Malaysian sellers in this mission further demonstrates our commitment to strengthening Malaysia’s presence in the Sri Lankan market.”

With Visit Malaysia Year 2026 on the horizon, the goal is to attract 100,000 Sri Lankan travelers.

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Platform Daddy wins Best Strategic Digital Marketing Brand of the Year Award

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D. M. Nirmal Danansooriya (CEO) receiving the award

Platform Daddy Pvt. Ltd has been awarded as the Best Strategic Digital Marketing Brand of the Year at the Pinnacle Sri Lanka Awards 2024. The award ceremony was held at Taj Samudra Hotel in Colombo, and company’s Chief Executive Officer, Nirmal Danansooriya received the award from former Speaker of Parliament, Sri Lankabhimanya, Karu Jayasuriya.

Beyond business, Platform Daddy remains committed to social impact. The Platform Buddy Foundation provides care, shelter, and medical support for street dogs, while the Platform Tree Foundation focuses on urban greening and environmental sustainability, with 5% of company earnings dedicated to these causes. The company has previously been honoured at several local and international award ceremonies such as the Asia Miracle Awards, the Iconic Awards, and the People’s Excellency Awards, said a release.

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