05 Nov 2026 | BY Dilanthi Jayamanne
The Government is planning to procure around 100 electric buses from China for public transportation, while the necessary charging infrastructure is being developed ahead of their expected introduction early next year, Transport, Highways and Urban Development Ministry Secretary, engineer Dr. Asiri Karunawardena said.
Speaking to The Daily Morning , Dr. Karunawardena told The Daily Morning yesterday (4) that Sri Lanka had not yet introduced electric vehicles into its public transportation system, but that the Ministry is now working towards procuring electric buses. He said that arrangements are being made to establish the necessary charging points and supporting infrastructure, adding that work on these preparations had already commenced. The buses are expected to begin operating most probably by early 2027. However, he said that the procurement process had not yet been finalised and that the total cost of the project and its funding arrangements remained undecided. The project could be funded through either a grant or a loan, depending on the arrangements made.
Meanwhile, Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) Spokesperson Jayanat Herath said that promoting electric vehicles required a Government policy, as this is not the responsibility of the electricity sector regulator. He said that the PUCSL's role is limited to regulating the electricity sector, including matters relating to electric vehicle charging stations and the charges imposed on consumers using such facilities. Herath said that the PUCSL had already introduced the necessary rules and regulations for charging stations and had made arrangements to allow them to operate without obtaining licences. The PUCSL also regulated the charges imposed on consumers by these stations. He added that decisions on matters such as Customs duties and import taxes on electric vehicles fell outside the PUCSL's authority and are the responsibility of the Government and other relevant institutions, including the Finance Ministry.
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