Green Transport Boost: China to Donate 100 Luxury Electric Buses to Sri Lanka

By Lions Roar International Desk

KANDY, SRI LANKA (Friday, January 23, 2026) — In a major step toward modernizing Sri Lanka’s public transport and reducing its carbon footprint, the Chinese government has pledged to provide 100 state-of-the-art luxury electric buses to the island nation.

The announcement was made by the Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Qi Zhenhong, during a high-profile visit to Kandy on Thursday. The Ambassador shared the news while paying respects to the Most Venerable Thibbatuwawe Sri Sumangala Mahanayake Thero of the Malwathu Chapter and the Most Venerable Warakagoda Sri Gnanarathana Mahanayake Thero of the Asgiri Chapter.

⚡ A High-Value Investment in the Environment

Ambassador Qi Zhenhong emphasized that the primary motivation behind this donation is to help Sri Lanka mitigate the severe environmental pollution caused by traditional fuel-powered vehicles.

• The Cost: Each luxury electric bus is valued at approximately US$225,000.
• Total Investment: The total value of the 100-bus fleet exceeds US$22.5 million (approx. 7.3 Billion LKR).
• Sustainability: The introduction of these buses is expected to set a new standard for eco-friendly urban mobility in Sri Lanka, drastically reducing the nation’s reliance on imported fossil fuels for public transport.

🏛️ Diplomatic Visit to Kandy

The Ambassador’s visit to the Mahanayake Theros was part of a broader diplomatic effort to strengthen cultural and religious ties between the two nations.

• Religious Significance: During the meeting, the Ambassador discussed China’s ongoing support for Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and the historical bond shared by the two countries.
• Rapid Deployment: The Ambassador assured that the buses would be delivered “speedily” to ensure that the benefits of green energy reach the Sri Lankan public as soon as possible.

📊 China’s Electric Bus Donation at a Glance