The Government has taken a decision to give priority to the import of electric vehicles to reduce air pollution, Environment Minister Mahinda Amaraweera stated.
He was addressing the State Ministerial Subcommittee of the Presidential Task Force on Green Economy which provides solutions to climate change chaired by the Minister of Environment.
The Minister said that a Cabinet Memorandum has been presented on the instructions of the President and the cabinet of ministers have already given the green light to the move.
He also said that since the maximum distance that an electric vehicle can travel after electric charging is around 300-350 km, there is a focus on importing cars that can currently drive around 550 km in the world and increasing the number of charging centers.
At present, the private sector has about 400 charging centers in various locations and there is a need to increase that number by another 350 the Minister said.
Also, the Ministry of Environment is currently working with the University of Moratuwa to formulate an E-Mobility Framework He also stated that he would take.
Further discussions in this regard will be held with the relevant Ministerial Sub-Committee this month.
