The rapid expansion of electric vehicles (EVs) and New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) is helping to transform the way we travel — a lesser appreciated benefit of the industry in Sri Lanka has been its potential for generating new high-value industries and employment opportunities for skilled EV technicians. Recognizing this potential, John Keells CG Auto, the authorized distributor of BYD in Sri Lanka, has established the country’s first dedicated NEV service center to provide workers with an opportunity to learn best practices in EV maintenance, and ensure the smooth running on the island’s emerging NEV fleet while actively laying a foundation for Sri Lanka's future economic resilience and leadership in sustainable mobility.

Across the globe, the NEV revolution is generating demand for expertise in advanced engineering, battery technology, software diagnostics, and digital infrastructure. Sri Lanka, still in the early stages of this transition, has an opportunity to position itself at the forefront of this economic shift by building a workforce that is future-ready. Unlike conventional vehicles that rely on mechanical components, EVs are built on complex electrical systems and cutting-edge software. A transition to green mobility also requires a parallel shift towards highly specialized workforces and infrastructure to maintain this new emerging NEV fleet.

This in turn can open up opportunities in roles such as battery specialists, powertrain specialists, and electrical system engineers. The automotive service industry itself is evolving—moving away from traditional mechanical repairs and toward high-tech maintenance, creating an entirely new category of employment.

Building a Skilled Workforce for the NEV Era

The rise of EVs is fundamentally reshaping career pathways in the automotive sector. While traditional vehicle servicing relies on mechanical expertise, EV maintenance demands proficiency in high-voltage battery management, electronic diagnostics, and software integration. This shift is creating a wave of specialized job opportunities, requiring a workforce trained in advanced engineering and digital technologies.

By offering structured training programs, the service center is addressing a critical skills gap. Technicians are equipped with the expertise required to handle advanced diagnostics, ensuring they can service the next generation of vehicles with precision and efficiency.According to Chathuranga Kahawatta, Head of After-Sales Services at John Keells CG Auto, the nature of vehicle maintenance is evolving rapidly. “EVs differ significantly from traditional vehicles. While conventional vehicles are centered around the engine, the core of an EV is its battery and electronic components. This requires a completely different skill set for maintenance and repairs. Our service center provides specialized training for both technicians and customers, ensuring smooth adoption of NEVs in Sri Lanka.”

Raising Industry Standards with Global Expertise

To accelerate Sri Lanka’s readiness for NEV adoption, the service center is incorporating global best practices into its training programs. Experienced professionals from Nepal—a country with significant EV penetration—are conducting hands-on training sessions, ensuring that local technicians are exposed to cutting-edge servicing techniques.

Jerome Wickramasekara, a certified technical trainer, highlighted the importance of investing in structured training to maintain service excellence. “The biggest hurdles were limited technical knowledge, lack of necessary equipment, and the high cost of training. However, with a clear roadmap, we have successfully provided Sri Lanka’s younger generation with essential skills” The demand for NEV services is expected to rise significantly. This is the journey John Keells CG Auto is committed to supporting, making this service center a crucial step in meeting future needs. The BYD service center facility is the only one in the country equipped to conduct full battery diagnostics and high-voltage safety assessments, ensuring that EVs operate at peak performance. By fostering a culture of technical excellence, the center is setting new benchmarks for vehicle servicing, ensuring that BYD vehicle owners receive the highest level of after-sales support.

New Career Opportunities in an Expanding NEV Ecosystem

For young professionals, this transformation presents exciting opportunities, blending traditional automotive expertise with advanced skills in electronics and software integration. This shift positions technical experts at the forefront of a rapidly evolving sector, offering lucrative career prospects in an industry that is still in its early stages.

Siddharth Sandaruwan, one of the first trainees at the BYD service center, recognized the potential of EVs early on and enrolled in the program to gain expertise in this emerging field. “I previously worked as an automotive technician in Sri Lanka. When I learned about this training program, I immediately applied, knowing that NEVs will dominate the market in the future. Gaining in-depth knowledge about NEVs is essential for career growth.”

His training provided not only practical experience in NEV technology but also the opportunity to attend an advanced program at BYD’s headquarters in China, where he explored the latest advancements in electric vehicle automation and diagnostics. “I was able to train on modern industrial tools and digital technology, which has given me a huge advantage in my career,” he added.

Beyond the automotive sector, the growth of NEVs could also stimulate job creation in related industries. As charging infrastructure expands and digital vehicle management becomes more prevalent, the demand for software engineers, energy specialists, and smart mobility experts is increasing. Real-time software updates, predictive maintenance, and battery performance monitoring are becoming essential components of vehicle ownership, driving the need for specialized roles in data analytics and digital diagnostics.

By pioneering specialized NEV training and setting a new benchmark for automotive servicing standards, John Keells CG Auto is not only bridging a critical skills gap but actively shaping Sri Lanka’s readiness for a sustainable economic future. As NEVs gain momentum, the ripple effects will extend far beyond the automotive industry, stimulating job creation, innovation, and technological advancement across energy, software, and infrastructure sectors. This proactive investment in human capital positions Sri Lanka to harness the full benefits of the global transition to green mobility, creating an ecosystem where talent, technology, and sustainability converge to drive national progress.