Sri Lanka takes legislative step to accommodate electric three-wheelers in motor vehicle laws

Sri Lanka is all set to electric three-wheelers into its transportation landscape as part of its ongoing efforts to promote sustainable and environmentally friendly mobility options after the Cabinet of Ministers last week approved to proceed with the next steps.

Electrically powered batteries have emerged as a promising alternative to traditional petrol or diesel engines in the country’s iconic three-wheelers. However, the transition to electric power has encountered a challenge in the form of tare weight restrictions. Recognising the need to adapt these regulations to accommodate electric three-wheelers, the Government initiated a legislative process to amend the Motor Vehicle Act.

“Clearance of the Attorney General has been granted for the draft Bill prepared by the Legal Draftsman. The Cabinet-approved legislation will now be gazetted as a Bill and thereafter be presented in Parliament for approval,” Cabinet Co-Spokesman and Transport Minister Bandula Gunawardena said at the post-Cabinet meeting media briefing last week.

He said the move marks the beginning of a legislative journey that seeks to complement the country’s motor vehicle laws with the emergence of electric mobility as a viable and sustainable mode of transportation. 

“The potential impact of this amendment is far-reaching. We hope to introduce this law to buses, cars and trains in the future. The amendment of the Motor Vehicle Act signals the country’s readiness to adapt to changing technologies and promote greener, sustainable transportation options,” Gunawardena pointed out.

Under the current interpretation of the Motor Vehicles Act, motor tricycles are subject to specific weight limits, with the tare weight not exceeding 500 kg and the gross weight not exceeding 1000 kg. 

On 8 August 2022, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal to address this regulatory barrier and make way for the registration of electric three-wheelers.  The proposal to this effect submitted by Transport Minister Bandula Gunawardena was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers.