• Low-interest schemes aim to support local manufacturers and cut vehicle emissions

The Ministry of Environment has taken steps to support the electric vehicle (EV) industry by providing low-interest loans to businesses in the sector, as the Government encourages the use of EVs to address air quality concerns in Kandy and Ratnapura.

Speaking to The Daily Morning, Deputy Environment Minister Anton Jayakody said controlling vehicle emissions was essential to addressing air pollution in the two cities. However, he said the available scientific data was insufficient to conclusively establish that pollution levels in Kandy and Ratnapura were higher than elsewhere in the country, despite residents’ experiences suggesting otherwise.

“With the support of the Central Environmental Authority (CEA), we have installed air quality monitoring stations across the country, and air quality is being monitored using real-time data,” he said.

He added that Sri Lanka’s overall air quality remained at a relatively good level and stressed the importance of maintaining these conditions.

Jayakody said experts had initially recommended managing traffic within the cities to address air pollution. "However, as these efforts proved ineffective, the Government is encouraging the use of EVs as an alternative means of reducing emissions."

He said the Government could not make EVs mandatory for entry into Kandy and Ratnapura cities but was encouraging their adoption through various initiatives. "Accordingly, local manufacturers are being identified and offered low-interest loan schemes to support the establishment of EV industries. Both the industry and the use of EVs are gradually growing in the country."

Attempts to contact the Ministry of Transport for comment were unsuccessful.