Business
SLING Mobility and USAID collaborate to propel sustainable E-Mobility and clean energy in Sri Lanka
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.
The Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) proudly facilitated the first-ever Sri Lankan delegation’s participation at Drupa 2024, the world’s largest trade fair for the printing industry and technology. Held after an eight-year hiatus, Drupa 2024 was a landmark event, marking significant advancements and opportunities in the global printing industry.
AHK Sri Lanka played a pivotal role in organising and supporting the delegation, which comprised 17 members from the Sri Lanka Association for Printers (SLAP), representing eight companies from the commercial, newspaper, stationery printing, and packaging industries. This pioneering effort by AHK Sri Lanka not only showcased the diverse capabilities of Sri Lanka’s printing sector but also facilitated vital bilateral discussions with key stakeholders from the German printing industry.
Business
Unveiling Ayugiri: Browns Hotels & Resorts sets the stage for a new era in luxury Ayurveda Wellness
In a captivating reimagining of luxury wellness tourism, Browns Hotels & Resorts proudly unveiled the exquisite Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya. This momentous occasion, celebrated amidst a vibrant and serene grand opening on the 6th of June, heralds a new chapter in the Ayurveda wellness tourism landscape in Sri Lanka. Nestled amidst 54 acres of unspoiled natural splendour, Ayugiri features 22 exclusive suites and stands out as the only luxury Ayurveda wellness resort in the country offering plunge pools in every room, rendering it truly one-of-a-kind.
The grand opening of Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort was an enchanting event, where guests were captivated by the melodies of flutists and violinists resonating through Sigiriya’s lush landscapes. As traditional drummers and dancers infused the air with vibrant energy, Browns Hotels & Resorts’ CEO, Eksath Wijeratne, Kotaro Katsuki, Acting Ambassador for the Embassy of Japan and General Manager, Buwaneka Bandara, unveiled the resort’s new logo, marking a significant moment witnessed by distinguished guests from the French Embassy, Ayurveda and wellness enthusiasts along with officials from the Sigiriya area, LOLC Holdings and Browns Group.
“Our strategic expansion into wellness tourism with Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya symbolises a significant milestone for Browns Hotels & Resorts. Wellness tourism has consistently outperformed the overall tourism industry for over a decade, reflecting a growing global interest in travel that goes beyond leisure to offer rejuvenation and holistic well-being. By integrating the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda with modern luxury, we aim to set a new standard in luxury wellness tourism in Sri Lanka. Whether your goal is prevention, healing, or a deeper connection to inner harmony, Ayugiri offers a sanctuary for holistic well-being” stated Eksath Wijeratne.
Ayugiri encapsulates the essence of life, inspired by the lotus flower held by the graceful queens of the infamous Sigiriya frescoes. Just as the lotus emerges from the murky depths, untainted and serene,
Ayugiri invites guests on a journey of purity and rejuvenation, harmonised with a balance of mind, body and spirit, the essence of nature, echoes of culture and the wisdom of ancient Ayurvedic healing.
HNB General Insurance, one of Sri Lanka’s leading general insurance providers, has been honored as the Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024 by the prestigious Global Banking and Finance Review – UK.
The esteemed accolade underscores HNB General Insurance’s unwavering commitment to excellence and its outstanding performance in the field of bancassurance. Through dedication and hard work, the HNB General Insurance team has continuously endeavored to deliver innovative insurance solutions, cultivate strong relationships with banking partners, and provide unparalleled service to customers nationwide. This recognition is a testament to the team’s dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence in the bancassurance business.
“We are honored to receive this prestigious award, which reflects our team’s tireless efforts and dedication to delivering value-added insurance solutions and exceptional service through our bancassurance partnerships,” said Sithumina Jayasundara, CEO of HNB General Insurance. “This recognition reaffirms our position as a trusted insurance provider in Sri Lanka and motivates us to continue striving for excellence in serving our customers and communities.”
US sports envoys to Lanka to champion youth development
Rahuman questions sudden cancellation of leave of CEB employees
