In an interview with the Sunday Observer, Minister of Transport, Highways, and Mass Media Dr. Bandula Gunawardena shares his insights on the revolutionary changes set to transform the nation’s transport system in 2024, stressing the importance of electrification, digitisation, and environmental sustainability.
Excerpts from the interview:
Q: What does electrification of the national transport system mean for sustainable development?
A: Electrification of the national transport system signifies a pivotal step towards sustainable development in Sri Lanka. Our objective is to embark on a national program to transition the entire transport system into a digital, electronic, and electrical framework by 2024.
This integration involves multiple ministries, including transport, industry, environment, and power and energy, working in unison to forge a more cost-effective, reliable, productive, and environmentally friendly transport sector.
Q: Is this a Government-run program?
A: No, this is not solely a Government program. It is a public participation initiative aimed at achieving the aforementioned objectives. Our approach is collaborative, with the participation of the private sector. The Government, under my leadership, offers guidance and vision, but the real change occurs through a collective effort and innovation of both public and private stakeholders.
Q: What are the main changes you will make in 2024 as the Minister in charge of various vehicle-related institutions, including buses, trains, and three-wheelers?
A: I would like to highlight the main changes pertaining to electrification. Firstly, we are introducing the ‘e-Motoring’ program to completely digitise the functions of the Motor Traffic Department (MTD).
Over the years, this Department has faced numerous allegations of delays, irregularities, fraud, and corruption. Digitisation is the imperative solution to rectify these issues.
Previously, tender processes were initiated and completed for the ‘e-motoring’ project by the former Ministers, adhering to standard protocols.
However, various obstacles prevented its implementation. The primary challenge was the requirement to relocate the MTD from Narahenpita to Werahera (on the 120 bus route) and construct new buildings. Since Government funds are not currently allocated for construction, this project faced a delay of three to four years.
To address this, we initiated a program to secure a building complex near the Hunupitiya Gangaramaya for the ‘e-motoring’ project. State Minister of Transport Lasantha Alagiyawanna oversees this initiative.
In the upcoming year, we are introducing a revolutionary change in vehicle registration through advanced technology, allowing for registration without any physical contact.
Secondly, we are wholeheartedly supporting the private sector to engage in the assembly, production, and export of electric vehicles, thereby reducing our and even the world’s reliance on fossil fuels.
We are preparing standards for the registration of locally assembled and imported electric vehicles, marking a historic shift in our approach.
Electric three-wheelers have already been registered and assigned number plates. Our e-ticketing system for trains and buses will also enhance transparency and efficiency.
We have initiated international tenders for the operation of 200 electric buses in the Western Province, and endeavours are underway to secure foreign investments for the electrification of the Kelani Valley (KV) railway line, transforming it into an electric train network.
Q: According to this, next year electric powered motorcycles, motor cars, buses, trains, and so on will become a practical reality for us?
A: The prospect of electric motorcycles, motor cars, buses, and trains becoming a practical reality in Sri Lanka is indeed on the horizon. We have a track record of successfully implementing national projects that were initially deemed impossible. Therefore, this turning point in the transport sector is well within reach in 2024 if all parties are in agreement.
What is truly remarkable is that many talented individuals and companies in Sri Lanka are manufacturing electric vehicles that can proudly represent our nation. Around 15-20 such entities are crafting electric bicycles, motorcycles, motor cars, three-wheelers, and more. These products are not only competing on the international stage but are already making their mark in foreign markets.
Additionally, there are developments in electric vehicle batteries and the establishment of ‘e-charging points’ to facilitate the transition.
The ingenuity and capabilities of these creators in our country are truly awe-inspiring, and they are set to redefine Sri Lanka’s stance in the electric vehicle industry.
Q: But political parties like the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) say that our country cannot even make a bicycle fork?
A: For those who may be sceptical or hold pessimistic views about our capabilities, we have a compelling answer. An international exhibition that highlights the creative talents of Sri Lanka’s private sector will take place at the Homagama Green University grounds from November 10 to 12, in conjunction with World Transport Day.
This exhibition will not only showcase electric motor vehicles but also various by-products related to the global electric vehicle industry, including batteries, spare parts, and application tools. In a bid to promote these innovations, we are extending invitations to international producers to participate.
Through this exhibition, we aim to demonstrate the resilience and problem-solving abilities of numerous electrical product manufacturers in Sri Lanka. This knowledge, until now, has been a source of national pride that was relatively unknown.
Q: If they have reached that situation, why are such vehicles not widely used in the country?
A: That is an excellent question. The primary challenge faced by these innovative producers was the lack of full-fledged support from the Government and policymakers in the past. However, today, we see a shift as various Government sectors, including transport and industry, are coming together to prioritise and bolster this industry.
To offer a specific example, former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa allocated dilapidated buildings in front of the Maradana Elphinstone, owned by the Railway Department, to the Trace Institution.
This facility now hosts numerous inventors engaged in creative work. It provides opportunities for thousands of young university graduates to contribute through their innovative solutions.
As the Minister of Transport, I have leased an underutilised warehouse complex to the Railway Department for the production of electric motor vehicles. We have also initiated the registration of electric vehicles by formulating standards. The Motor Vehicles Act has been sent to the Attorney General for amendments.
Q: Are you satisfied that the problems of car manufacturers have been solved?
A: There are still numerous questions and challenges to address, especially concerning the import of motor vehicles and spare parts. We are actively working with organisations like the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to arrange special loan schemes that will facilitate solutions in this regard.
Q: Do you believe that we can get international support to electrify our transport sector?
A: Yes, indeed. After the global challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, we have seen international support and participation, including organisations like the UN Development Program (UNDP).
Many countries are swiftly transitioning away from fossil fuels to embrace electricity and other sustainable energy sources.
This transition has been evident in countries like China and India, both with substantial populations, where bicycles, motorcycles, motor vehicles, trains, and more have rapidly moved towards electrification. Other nations, such as Korea and various Western countries, are conducting research and intervening in these transformations.
To support these endeavours, funds have been established to contribute to environmental conservation through Carbon Credits under environmental programs. I foresee that, between 2030 and 2040, many countries around the world will strongly advocate for the use of electronic and electrical media to digitise public transport and various other sectors.
Q: What about the measures taken to raise awareness about electric vehicles in our country?
A: Specifically, as the Minister of Mass Media, I have assigned special responsibilities to National Television, ITN, SLBC and Lake House to spread the word in this regard.
These institutions are tasked with encouraging the people to embrace environmentally friendly, cost-effective electric vehicles. We aim to ensure that comprehensive information is disseminated to inform and educate the public.
We also hope that private sector media will join in supporting this journey towards an innovative and forward-looking transport system.
Q: When there was a power crisis, isn’t it a challenge to convert vehicles to electricity?
A: The notion that a power crisis poses a significant challenge to the electrification of vehicles is rooted in a lack of understanding. To address this concern, one need only visit the Trace Institute, where you can witness how battery charging stations are powered by solar energy.
Moreover, researchers have made significant progress in developing solar-powered motor vehicles. These endeavours are a testament to our dedication to ensure that the transition to electric vehicles does not strain the national power supply.
However, it is important to acknowledge that while we have the knowledge and capabilities, research institutes require more robust support from the Government.
Funding in other countries has been substantial, and we must recognise the potential for the university system to contribute even more to these efforts. During my tenure as the Minister of Education, I initiated the introduction of technology into schools.
A key component of this effort was Engineering Technology, which encompasses motor vehicle technology. As a result, we now have a substantial number of individuals studying motor vehicle technology at an advanced level.
Q: Will those students also have the opportunity to get practical experience at the November exhibition?
A: Absolutely. In collaboration with the Ministry of Education, we are opening the doors to all students who are pursuing technology-related studies, university students, and anyone else interested in this field.
These individuals will have the opportunity to attend the international electrical and electrical exhibition, which will take place from November 10 to 12. We believe that 2024 will mark a significant leap in the transportation sector, and this exhibition will play a pivotal role in that transformation.
Translated by Dinuli Francisco
