The Sectoral Oversight Committee on Science, Technology and Digital Transformation has stressed the need to introduce mandatory regulations, standards and certification requirements for electric vehicles (EVs), batteries, controllers and charging stations imported into Sri Lanka.
The matter was discussed at a recent meeting of the Committee chaired by MP Dr. Janaka Senarathna.

Officials informed the Committee that the Sri Lanka National Engineering Research and Development Centre (NERDC) has facilities to test battery capacity, durability and lifespan. However, they highlighted the absence of mandatory standards and certification requirements for imported EV-related technology.

The Committee also discussed developing safety standards for converting fuel-powered vehicles into electric vehicles, improving the performance of state research institutions, addressing staff shortages and strengthening the commercialisation of research and innovations.

Other matters discussed included university-affiliated incubation centres, electric fencing projects aimed at mitigating human-elephant conflict, and a proposed amendment to the Intellectual Property Act to introduce a Petty Patent system to protect inventors and accelerate the commercialisation of inventions. (Newswire)