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USAID/Sri Lanka helps power up trial of E-battery swapping stations in Colombo

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The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Sri Lanka Energy Program and Sling Mobility (Pvt.) Ltd. signed a grant agreement on April 18 to develop and operate two battery swapping stations for electric two-wheelers.

This grant, the first of its kind for the program, will fund construction of the stations, also known as battery switching stations, in Colombo. The stations allow E-vehicle owners to quickly exchange empty batteries for fully charged ones and avoid the waiting time for charging.

The project also will recruit 20 new riders to pilot the deployment of E-bikes for delivery services in a timely, cost-saving, and environmentally safer manner. This one grant activity, within a larger group of grants, will assist in catalyzing the development of EV charging stations in the country.

“The United States and the American people are proud of our enduring and robust 75-year partnership with the people of Sri Lanka,” said USAID Mission Director Gabriel Grau. “We remain fully committed to support locally led initiatives to advance E-technologies that are critical to promote the progress of a nation in an environmentally friendly and cost-effective way.”

“Sling Mobility is a technology solutions company focused on electric vehicles, and its demand driven approach is key to future of EVs in Sri Lanka and beyond,” said Love Yadav, general partner for Sling Mobility. “Its business model is stitched around improving EV affordability and faster adoption, reducing rider downtime, and building a platform for sustainable charging. The USAID grant is an important validation for Sling Mobility’s operating model, and we are extremely happy to be a part of this journey.”

The results of the pilot program will show the energy project and Sling Mobility the feasibility of promoting E-battery swapping stations in the country.

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Rains expected in several areas today

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Several spells of showers will occur in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in the Nuwara-Eliya, Kandy, Galle and Matara districts today (July 02), the Department of Meteorology said.

A few showers may occur in the Jaffna and Mannar districts.

Fairly strong winds of about 30-40kmph can be expected at times over the Western slopes of the central hills and in the Northern, North-central and North-western provinces and in the Trincomalee and Hambantota districts.

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IMF Executive Board approves Sri Lanka’s 4th review

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The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) completed the Fourth review under the 48-month Extended Fund Facility (EFF) Arrangement, allowing the authorities to draw about US$350 million, said Evan Papageorgiou, IMF Mission Chief for Sri Lanka.

This brings the total IMF financial support disbursed so far to about US$1.74 billion.

“The EFF arrangement for Sri Lanka was approved by the Executive Board on March 20, 2023 in an amount of SDR 2.286 billion (395 percent of quota or about US$3 billion). The program supports Sri Lanka’s efforts to durably restore macroeconomic stability by (i) restoring fiscal and debt sustainability while protecting the vulnerable, (ii) safeguarding price and financial sector stability, (iii) rebuilding external buffers, (iv) strengthening governance and reducing corruption vulnerabilities, and (v) enhancing growth-oriented structural reforms.”

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Cabinet approval for online traffic fine payment system – Bimal

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Minister of Transport and Highways Bimal Rathnayake has said that Cabinet approval has been granted to implement an islandwide online traffic fine payment system.

He made this statement during a media briefing near the Kottawa Expressway entrance, following a public awareness programme on mandatory seat belt use for vehicles travelling on expressways.

“The Cabinet approved the proposal today. At present, the online fine payment system is available only between Kurunegala and Anuradhapura. Now, we’re providing all police units with mobile devices, so that from this year, traffic fines can be paid from anywhere via mobile phones… Rather than paying fines, we urge everyone to drive carefully, wear seat belts, and avoid violations. Our core message is simple, travel safely,” the minister has said.

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