Business
Sri Lanka’s 1.2 million ‘Tuks’ to undergo ‘e-Wheel’ Revolution
Electric three wheel battery swapping technology arrives
A clean and affordable transportation solution is now available for Sri Lanka’s 1.2 million three wheelers with Lanka E-Mobility Solutions (Private) Limited (LeMS), introducing electric three wheel battery swapping technology, branded ‘e-wheel’ to local owners, a news release from the promoters said.
“The launch of this novel battery swapping technology means the three-wheeler owner no longer has to purchase a costly battery, or worry about end-of-life replacement, while the battery swapping process takes a mere two minutes!
“The most expensive component in any electric vehicle is the battery and when converting a petrol three-wheeler to an e-wheeler, the owner does not need to pay for the batteries as they are owned and managed by LeMS, as are the Swapping Stations. The e-wheeler owner only pays for the energy used on a ‘pay-as-you-go’ basis,” the release said.
This marks a significant milestone in Sri Lanka’s journey towards sustainable transportation, with its founders being driven by the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions and combat harmful air pollution, it claimed.
“Sri Lanka’s 1.2 million three wheelers currently guzzle a staggering 5.5 million liters of petrol a day and each ‘e-wheel’ will help reduce that figure. The e-wheel driver, often the breadwinner of the family, with a mere Rs 450,000 investment, can now save nearly Rs 20,000 per month”, said Managing Director of LeMS, Chaminda Rajapakse. “The advantages are prodigious, with savings on valuable FOREX spent on fuel imports, lubricants, and routine maintenance spare parts”.
LeMS was conceived in 2020 and incubated by Island Climate Initiative (ICI) over the last two years. ICI facilitates investment in circular economy, smart agriculture, and clean energy projects, and is dedicated to revolutionizing Sri Lanka’s transport industry with cutting-edge electric technology, the release said.
“We take existing petrol three wheelers, remove their engine and replace it with a brand-new electric powertrain. The entire conversion process takes just two hours. Once converted, the vehicle can immediately start using our battery swapping services”, said LeMS Co-Founder & Director, Shirendra Lawrence.
He added that battery swapping stations will initially be conveniently located across Colombo and its immediate suburbs, with expansions to Galle and Kandy already being planned. “Once converted, no oil changes or services are required. “What’s more, to run a petrol three wheeler costs over Rs 20 a km, whereas the cost of running an ‘e wheel’ is less than Rs 15 a km . With Sri Lanka having more three-wheelers per capita than even India, the birthplace of three wheelers, LeMS is committed to electrifying the country’s tuk fleet”.
“We, at Peoples Leasing & Finance PLC, are thrilled to be the exclusive finance and leasing partner in this groundbreaking e-Wheel Revolution. This initiative is not just a technological advancement; it aligns seamlessly with our commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles and represents a pivotal milestone in our sustainability roadmap” said Shamindra Marcelline Chief Executive Officer of Peoples Leasing & Finance PLC.
He went on to say that “by supporting Lanka E-Mobility Solutions (LeMS) in introducing this innovative electric three-wheel battery swapping technology, branded as the ‘e-wheel,’ we are contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable transportation solution for Sri Lanka. This project is a crucial component of our broader sustainability initiatives, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and combat air pollution”
LeMS uses technology developed and tested for over six years by RACEnergy, a Hyderabad based deep-tech company dedicated to advancing electric mobility. “We simply have the most advanced, lightest, safest and most energy dense swappable battery in the market’ said Arun Sreyas, co-founder RACEnergy.
LeMS’ innovative solution, being revolutionary and affordable, will mean more vehicle owners will be able to go green sooner, rather than later, the release concluded.
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.”
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