LOLC Holdings, PickMe and Browns EV collaborate to accelerate Sri Lanka’s transition to inclusive electric mobility

LOLC, PickMe and Browns EV teams at the launch

LOLC Holdings PLC Group Managing Director/CEO Kapila Jayawardena (left) and PickMe Founder and CEO Jiffry Zulfer

LOLC Holdings PLC has entered into a strategic mobility collaboration with PickMe, to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) while creating an inclusive and sustainable vehicle ownership pathway for independent ride-hailing drivers across the country. Anchored by Browns EV, the LOLC Group’s latest electric mobility venture marks a significant step towards redefining access to clean, affordable, and future-ready transportation in Sri Lanka.

At the centre of this initiative is a direct rent-to-own facility offered by LOLC to independent third- party drivers that engage with the PickMe platform. Under this model, LOLC provides Browns EV vehicles directly to these independent drivers. The program allows the drivers to choose to operate EVs by committing to a daily rental structured by LOLC, with the full ownership transferred at the end of a six-year tenure, which is managed solely by LOLC. For the convenience of the drivers, daily rental payments are remitted through the PickMe platform’s digital interface based on driver authorisation, assisting them in managing their personal financial obligations while enabling long-term asset creation. 

A key milestone of the collaboration was marked with the official opening of the Browns EV Experience Centre on 9 January 2026 at the Browns EV Showroom premises. Designed as a dedicated resource hub, for independent drivers that engage with the PickMe platform, the Centre allows these entrepreneurs to explore a variety of electric vehicle options and engage directly with LOLC representatives. At the Centre, drivers can independently evaluate LOLC ’s daily rental model, assess their individual eligibility, and complete their registration process directly with LOLC. This streamlined environment provides a one-stop location for drivers managing their own independent business growth.

The launch event also featured the formal signing of a strategic collaboration agreement between   LOLC Holdings PLC Group Managing Director/CEO Kapila Jayawardena and  PickMe Sri Lanka Founder and CEO Jiffry Zulfer. 

Commenting on the initiative, LOLC Holdings PLC CEO Kapila Jayawardena stated, “At LOLC, we believe that meaningful progress is achieved by empowering people through access, opportunity, and innovation. This strategic collaboration with PickMe, supported by Browns EV, brings together financial innovation, responsible asset ownership, and affordable electric mobility to strengthen livelihoods while advancing Sri Lanka’s national sustainability priorities. Following years of import restrictions that limited access to vehicle ownership, this initiative responds directly to pent-up demand by making high-quality, future-ready electric vehicles genuinely accessible to independent entrepreneurs who depend on mobility for their livelihoods.”

Browns EV recently launched a line-up of electric vehicles positioned to expand affordable mobility across Sri Lanka. In partnership with global automotive leaders SAIC-GM-Wuling Automobile (SGMW) and Beijing Auto Works (BAW), Browns EV has introduced models designed to cater to diverse consumer and commercial segments. Wuling, the world’s second-largest EV brand, has produced over 3 million units globally, while Beijing Auto Works is among China’s oldest and largest automotive manufacturers. Their expertise, combined with Browns’ 150-year legacy in Sri Lanka, ensures quality, safety, and long-term value for consumers.

Drivers exploring options through the Browns EV Experience Centre can view a diverse portfolio of Browns EV models, including the BAW E6, BAW E7, BAW E7 Pro, Wuling Binguo, and Wuling Cloud.      

Emphasising the synergy unlocked through the collaboration, PickMe Sri Lanka CEO Jiffry Zulfer stated,   “Collaborating with LOLC Holdings, an institution defined by scale, credibility and long-term value creation, marks a significant milestone in PickMe’s journey. Alongside Browns EV, this collaboration integrates finance, technology and sustainable mobility into a unified ecosystem. By combining PickMe’s digital platform with LOLC’s financial strength and Browns EV’s electric vehicle expertise, we are not only accelerating the adoption of clean mobility but also empowering independent mobility entrepreneurs across Sri Lanka with access, opportunity and long-term economic resilience”. 

Together, the collaboration between LOLC Holdings, PickMe, and Browns EV establishes a scalable and future-focused model for electric mobility in Sri Lanka, one that seamlessly integrates financing, technology, and vehicle access within a unified ecosystem. By lowering barriers to EV adoption and facilitating long-term asset ownership for independent drivers, the initiative supports national sustainability goals while strengthening livelihoods and entrepreneurship.