July 22, Colombo (LNW): Lanka Ashok Leyland Plc, a long-standing collaboration between Sri Lanka and Indian automotive giant Ashok Leyland, is preparing to roll out a comprehensive fleet of electric buses in the near future.
The company is aligning this move with shifting governmental priorities that increasingly favour the adoption of cleaner, more sustainable modes of transport.
Speaking on the upcoming developments, Chief Executive Officer Umesh Gautam revealed that preparations are actively underway to introduce an entire series of electric buses under the ‘SWITCH’ marque.
However, he noted that the launch timeline would be influenced by both market conditions and the regulatory landscape.
In a notable step forward, an electric edition of the company’s well-known DOST light commercial vehicle has already been launched, marking Lanka Ashok Leyland’s entry into the electric vehicle segment.
This model is expected to serve as a blueprint for the firm’s broader electrification strategy.
“With the government placing increasing emphasis on electrifying the public transport system, the environment is becoming more conducive for initiatives such as ours,” Gautam added, pointing to a supportive policy framework and growing public awareness about environmental sustainability.
