Cargills, in collaboration with the United States via the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has launched a groundbreaking project aimed at making renewable energy more accessible to all Sri Lankans who own electric vehicles (EVs).
Cargills and USAID, through the Sri Lanka Energy Program, have co-funded and implemented this pioneering initiative to integrate EV charging stations complemented by solar power into multiple Cargills Retail locations in Colombo.
The overarching goal of this initiative is to promote the adoption of renewable energy solutions, particularly electric vehicles, by providing convenient and affordable charging options for individuals from any socio-economic background. Recognising the need for a nationwide EV charging station network and robust EV standards and policies, the USAID Sri Lanka Energy Program is collaborating with relevant entities from both the government and the private sector to accelerate progress towards sustainable e-mobility. Collaborating with Cargills under this initiative aligns with the broader mission of the Program to enhance energy security, promote economic growth, and mitigate the effects of climate change.
At the launch ceremony on March 21, at Cargills Food City in Bauddhaloka Mawatha, the U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie Chung, praised the collaborative efforts that made this project a reality. “Development challenges absolutely need the private sector to help drive solutions, so I’m thrilled to extend my gratitude to Cargills for its strong partnership with the United States in this and other sectors,” she said. “By integrating EV charging stations into everyday spaces like supermarkets, we are not only expanding access to renewable energy but also transforming the way people think about transportation and sustainability.”
Chandana Kelegama, Senior Manager, Corporate Strategy and Investor Relations for Cargills Ceylon, expressed enthusiasm for the project’s potential impact. “Cargills is excited to bring this innovative initiative to life in partnership with USAID. Our commitment to continuously offer value and convenience to our customers is at the core of our business philosophy, and we are proud to support the national movement towards sustainable energy solutions to power transport.”
The installation of six EV charging stations at Cargills Retail locations in Colombo marks the first phase of a larger rollout plan. Leveraging Cargills’ extensive network of over 520 Retail outlets and more than 70 KFC locations nationwide, the project aims to scale up the number of EV charging stations across Sri Lanka in the coming months.
With this innovative partnership between Cargills and the USAID Sri Lanka Energy Program, Sri Lanka is poised to take an important step in renewable energy adoption, creating a more sustainable future for all.
About the USAID Sri Lanka Energy Program: The Sri Lanka Energy Program, supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is implemented by Chemonics International in Sri Lanka. The goal of the Sri Lanka Energy Program is to help Sri Lanka’s energy sector transition to a more secure, reliable, sustainable, and market-based system. The program supports restoring cost-reflectivity in the country’s electricity tariffs, increasing investment in clean energy resources, improving demand-side management programs to increase energy efficiency, and supporting the deployment of advanced energy technologies.
Cargills is Sri Lanka’s largest food company, serving the needs of communities across the country. The Group is engaged in several sectors including retail, food processing, food services, banking, real estate, entertainment, and agriculture. The Company has a strong commitment to providing affordable nutrition to Sri Lankans, investing in building rural communities, and creating hope for Sri Lankans across the country.
