Drivegreen’s leading-edge equipment and technology supports nation as partner in reducing emissions

Staff training in France  

Driven by the vision of creating a healthier nation, Drivegreen, Sri Lanka’s leading-edge emission testing network, is leading the way in increasing the cleanliness of the environment and ensuring the vehicle emission program continues to meet the government’s air quality standards.

The Drivegreen initiative which is managed under CleanCo Lanka Ltd., commenced operations in 2008 and is powered by state-of-the-art equipment, internationally recognised certifications and staff who are proficient, dedicated and responsive. 

Initially, Drivegreen began its testing program with Environmental Systems Products (ESP), a leader in vehicle emissions testing equipment and services. Since its inception, Drivegreen has continuously invested in best-in-class testing equipment using ultra-accurate Zero Class, the highest standard in testing equipment in all Drivegreen centres contributing to a cleaner and safer test environment.

In keeping with the advances in emission testing equipment Drivegreen commissioned CAPELEC, a French-based manufacturer recognised as the most innovative brand in the world and leading supplier of the European Union. CAPELEC is renowned for producing the next generation of technological solutions supported by a state-of-the-art research and development unit offering technical solutions for improved user safety, and an environmentally responsible approach.

The use of such products enables Drivegreen to meet Government air quality standards in addition to continuously keeping abreast with global innovation. Drivegreen’s cutting-edge technology also enables the company to stay ahead of meeting any future regulatory testing requirements especially Euro standards if and when they are made mandatory.

Commenting on the technology, CleanCo Lanka Ltd. Deputy General Manager – Operations Surendara Perera said: “All systems and machines are computerized and human interaction is very minimal. Our use of advanced technology ensures the results are achieved automatically and the final vehicle emission test result cannot be changed under any circumstance.” 

Maintaining transparency of the project, all online vehicle emission testing data is transferred to government authorised bodies for the speedy issuance of the e-revenue license for motorists.

Demonstrating Drivegreen’s pioneering use of equipment and processes to the highest quality, it was awarded the Vehicle Emission Testing – Special Certification ISO-IEC 17020: 2012 in 2016 by the Sri Lanka Accreditation Board (SLAB), the first company to have achieved this feat.

This prestigious international standard certification honours Drivegreen’s alignment and formal recognition to manage and enhance its quality of inspection, implementing controls to reduce inefficiencies, the smooth flow of activities throughout the testing process inclusive of equipment, structures and systems meeting the required specifications. 

Importantly all Drivegreen’s 100 larger inspection stations are all ISO compliant providing a further pledge to customers that the accredited inspection and testing offers a technically competent service, consistently reliable results, reducing costs and lowering risks.

Understanding the importance of improving business processes, and meeting customer demands, Drivegreen have initiated a comprehensive training program for all staff. 

“Our senior teams have visited suppliers and received technical, operations and management trainings from both CAPELEC and ESP and are capable of handling all technical and operational issues. We have also built a strong network with our testing equipment suppliers regularly updating our knowledge,” Perera noted.

Drivegreen’s central workshop in Mirihana is equipped with advanced facilities to match international standards providing a wide range of technical maintenance supervised by well-trained and qualified personnel. The workshop is also competent to provide any form of required services related to the vehicle inspection industry.

All frontline station staff undergoes rigorous training to provide an accurate and enhanced service for customers. A strong network of area technical assistants located island-wide carry out preventive maintenance for operation across the country contributing immensely service excellence standards and recognition as the preferred service provider in Sri Lanka. Feedback and complaints are processed and further training provided to ensure a high level of transparency.

As Drivegreen continuously strives to enhance the technical skills of all their employees, a modern training center in Kesbewa has been set-up. Comprehensive training is conducted for new employees and to update the knowledge base of existing staff. This centre is a beacon for the industry as it has received sole authority and approval to provide training for new-comers in the vehicle emission industry. Vital research and development is also carried out to adopt new technology to benefit the vehicle emission industry.

Drivegreen’s strong partnership with Vocational Training Authority has ensured that the Training Centre is approved and certified by the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission. All training conducted at the center is registered with TVEC. Among the 700 Drivegreen employees more than 75% of them are technically qualified with NVQ qualifications having received technical training at regional Vocational Training Institutes.