eShift: A Partnership between ChargeNET, Vega Innovations and CDB to Pave the Way for Sustainable Mobility in Sri Lanka

Continuing its unwavering mission of advancing the green economy, Vega Innovations subsidiary chargeNET in collaboration with Citizens Development Business Finance PLC (CDB) launched the eShift Concept Center, as a step to accelerate the Company’s sustainable mobility solution. This was rooted in a collaboration agreement CodeGen International (Pvt) Ltd signed with CDB. The agreement was signed recently by Managing Director/CEO of CDB Mahesh Nanayakkara and Dr. Harsha Subasinghe Chairman/CEO of Vega Innovations & chargeNET, subsidiaries of CodeGen International (Pvt) Ltd.

The eShift Concept Center represents another significant stride made by this coalition. In this partnership, ChargeNet, a subsidiary of Vega Innovations responsible for the charging stations at the center, plays a crucial role. Together, they propel CDB's sustainable mobility solutions, actively promoting an all-encompassing electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem. This ecosystem places a strong emphasis on knowledge dissemination, EV charging infrastructure, and EV conversion initiatives.

The eShift Concept Center 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 Center 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 Center 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 Vega Innovations will begin converting three wheelers into EVs.

Powered by solar energy, the Center 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 Center will also have parking facilities for additional EVs.

In his remarks about the partnership, Mahesh Nanayakkara emphasized that advancing sustainable mobility solutions stands as a pivotal component within the CDB Sustainability Agenda's Net Zero Pillar. “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.”

As the CEO of both Vega Innovations and ChargeNET, Dr. Harsha Subasinghe enthusiastically commented on the partnership, stating, “Together, we're pioneering a sustainable Sri Lanka powered by EVs, while revolutionizing 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.”

For further information you can visit the eShift Concept Centre at No: 63, Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha, Colombo 03 or contact us via email at info@eshift.lk or by phone at 011 7 555 554.