In an effort to promote green processes in its automotive sector, Sri Lanka has called the sector to switch its gears to UN Sustainable Development Goals 9 framework (SDG 9) introduced in Colombo last year. Meanwhile the China’s famed low cost electric trishaw ‘XuZhou Furinkazan’ is unveiled in Sri Lanka for the first time on 2 August.
“As the government focuses more on pro-green products, e-bikes and electric automotive could become the future of Sri Lanka’s transport due to its support for sustainable practices. We introduced the Sustainable Development Framework for industries called as SDG 9 framework to Sri Lanka in August 2017 with the support of UN” said the Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen on 2 August in Colombo. Minister Bathiudeen was addressing the launch of Sri Lanka’s first ever `Colombo Bike Show 2018’ and `Sri Lanka Auto Parts Expo 2018’ by CEMS Global in Colombo. The four day exhibition showcases automotive products from various well known (Yamaha, Honda, Enfield etc) and new global brands (Furinkazan from China Jiangsu). “As the government focuses more on pro-green products, e-bikes and electric automotive could become the future of Sri Lanka’s transport due to its support on sustainable practices. As part of this broader vision, the Ministry of Industry is committed to the Sustainable Development Framework” said Minister Bathiudeen and added: “That is the reason that we introduced the Sustainable Development Framework for industries called as SDG 9.2 framework to Sri Lanka last year with the support of the UN. SDG 9 framework enhances support from UN for sustainable industry development, industrial waste management, and green industries. The good news is that automotive part makers and suppliers here today can make use of these SDG 9 guidelines and better target their production and markets through better infrastructure. I invite all the stakeholders to study SDG 9 framework and also consider looking at other SDGs in their production work.”
Minister Bathiudeen also highlighted of the steady growth of Sri Lankan vehicle population. “This show comes in a background of Sri Lanka’s vehicle population increasing steadily. In 2013 a total of 5.2 million vehicles were in use in Sri Lanka. Last year this has increased to 7.2 million -a 38% increase in five years” he added.
An interesting ‘first’ seen at the 2 August Motor expo was China’s famed low cost electric trishaw ‘XuZhou Furinkazan’ on display in Colombo for the first time. Furinkazan CEO Rachel said that the unit price of an electric trishaw is US $ 530 (SL Rs 84,800-with electric battery, at US $ 1400-SL Rs 224,000).
The category of motor vehicle with the largest share in Sri Lanka’s vehicle population is the motorcycle. 56% of 7.2 Mn vehicle population in Sri Lanka in 2017 were motorcycles.
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