Green Energy Boost: Sri Lanka Proposes Islandwide EV Charging Network with Chinese Assistance
By Lions Roar News Business & Tech Desk
COLOMBO, SRI LANKA (December 29, 2025) – In a significant move toward sustainable transportation, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism Vijitha Herath has proposed that the Chinese government support the establishment of an electric vehicle (EV) charging network across Sri Lanka as a grant.
The proposal was made during a high-level meeting this morning at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with the Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Qi Zhenhong.
⚡ Powering the Future of Transport
Minister Herath highlighted that Sri Lanka is increasingly leaning toward importing electric vehicles from global markets, particularly China. To support this transition, a robust charging infrastructure is now a national priority.
Key Highlights of the Proposal:
- Donation Request: The Minister requested that the installation of charging stations across the country be considered a Chinese donation to support Sri Lanka’s “Green Energy” goals.
- Electric Public Transport: The government is planning a significant shift in public infrastructure, with plans to import a large fleet of electric buses in the near future.
- Market Trend: The move aligns with the rising demand among Sri Lankan consumers for cost-effective and eco-friendly EV options.
Ambassador Qi Zhenhong welcomed the initiative and agreed to promptly relay the request to the Chinese government for consideration.
🏗️ Urgent Relief for Infrastructure Damage
Beyond the EV initiative, the meeting focused heavily on the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, which recently caused catastrophic damage across the island.
- Railway & Bridge Repairs: Minister Herath sought urgent assistance for the reconstruction of railway lines and bridges destroyed by recent flooding and landslides.
- Disaster Assessment: Ambassador Qi stated that China intends to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the damage caused by the cyclone to determine the best avenues for multi-sectoral aid.
- Continued Support: This follows China’s recent dispatch of 85 tons of emergency relief supplies, valued at approximately Rs. 400 million, to aid displaced families.
🕯️ Note to the Sri Lankan Community
For Sri Lankans living in New Zealand and abroad, this development signals a dual focus by the current administration: navigating the immediate humanitarian crisis caused by natural disasters while simultaneously laying the groundwork for long-term technological and environmental advancement.
“We are looking at a future where our transport is clean and our infrastructure is resilient,” Minister Herath noted following the meeting.
