CDB accelerates sustainable mobility in Sri Lanka in partnership with CodeGen

Citizens Development Business Finance PLC (CDB) has launched the e Shift Concept Centre, as a step to accelerate the company’s sustainable mobility solutions focused under the Net Zero vertical of CDB’s Sustainability Agenda. 

This was possible through a collaboration agreement CDB signed with CodeGen International (Pvt) Ltd. The agreement was signed recently by Managing Director/CEO of CDB Mahesh Nanayakkara and Chairman/CEO of CodeGen Dr. Harsha Subasinghe, CDB said in a media release. 

As part of its sustainability agenda, CDB together with global and local partners, initiated the Haritha Coalition, designed to promote EVs and solar energy solutions to Sri Lanka.  The e Shift Concept Centre therefore, is another of the progressive steps taken by this Coalition in which chargeNET, a subsidiary of CodeGen International which powers the charging stations at the Centre, is a partner. This collaboration accelerates CDB’s sustainability mobility solutions by promoting a comprehensive ecosystem for EVs with a focus on knowledge sharing, EV charging and EV conversion.

The e Shift Concept Centre located at Green Path Colombo 7 aims to educate individuals interested in sustainable mobility, while generating interest and stimulating enthusiasm about EVs in Sri Lanka among the general public.  While creating an informed awareness about a mindful transformation from fossil fuel-based vehicles to EVs, the Centre will be a catalyst in prompting a sustainable shift in Sri Lanka’s transportation sector, which has traditionally been reliant on fossil fuels. To facilitate this transition, the Centre will also offer cutting-edge charging facilities for EVs, enhancing the accessibility and convenience of electric vehicle charging and contributing to the growth of the EV ecosystem in Sri Lanka. With over 1 million three wheelers operating in Sri Lanka – all using fossil fuel – CDB and CodeGen will begin converting three wheelers into EVs.

Powered by solar energy, the Centre has two conversion bays and seven charging stations with two of these being fast charging stations solely for three wheelers, marking a first for Sri Lanka. The Centre will also have parking facilities for additional EVs.

Commenting on the collaboration, CDB MD Mr. Nanayakkara pointed out that accelerating sustainable mobility solutions are a key vertical under the Net Zero Pillar within the CDB Sustainability Agenda. “As a responsible corporate steward we have committed to accelerate sustainable mobility solutions by promoting EVs and EV infrastructure, in addition to knowledge sharing. With over one million three wheelers on our roads, carbon emission, oil spillage, noise pollution – all health hazards to drivers have a massive impact on climate change. The lasting positive impact this initiative can make, is unimaginable.”

CodeGen’s Dr. Subasinghe stated, “Together, we're pioneering a sustainable Sri Lanka powered by EVs, while revolutionising the three-wheeler industry. Through knowledge sharing on EVs, conversions and charging solutions, we're electrifying the future, one vehicle at a time. Together, we're not just innovators; we're trailblazers in building a greener, more eco-conscious Sri Lanka.”