Sampath Bank sustainable mobility initiatives took a decisive step forward with a new partnership aimed at widening access to advanced electric and hybrid vehicles in Sri Lanka. The collaboration blends innovative vehicle technology with practical, customer-focused financing to accelerate greener transport adoption.
Sampath Bank sustainable mobility expands via Hayleys Mobility NEV partnership
Sampath Bank PLC has entered into a strategic Memorandum of Understanding with Hayleys Mobility Limited, the mobility arm of Hayleys Fentons Limited, underscoring a shared commitment to sustainable development and future-ready transportation in Sri Lanka. Signed at the Bank’s Head Office, the agreement positions both institutions to lower financial barriers to new energy vehicles while strengthening consumer confidence in electric and hybrid mobility solutions.
The partnership arrives at a time when demand for environmentally responsible transport is gaining momentum across the island. Rising fuel costs, evolving emissions standards, and greater public awareness of climate impact are pushing consumers and businesses to consider alternatives to traditional internal combustion vehicles. By aligning financial expertise with engineering heritage, the collaboration aims to convert this growing interest into accessible ownership opportunities.
Hayleys Mobility has recently introduced a new energy vehicle portfolio that brings globally recognised brands to local customers. The line-up features OMODA and JAECOO in the premium passenger segment, alongside SRM, a commercial electric truck brand with strong market acceptance in Singapore. Models such as the JAECOO J8, JAECOO J7 PHEV, JAECOO J6, and the OMODA E5 provide buyers with a range of options, spanning fully electric and plug-in hybrid SUVs tailored to varied driving needs, lifestyle preferences, and usage patterns.
This diversity is central to expanding sustainable transport adoption. Urban commuters seeking quiet, zero-emission travel, families looking for spacious yet efficient SUVs, and businesses exploring cost-effective electric logistics all stand to benefit from the expanded choice. By offering both electric and plug-in hybrid configurations, Hayleys Mobility addresses practical concerns around range, charging availability, and long-distance usability, which often influence purchasing decisions in emerging EV markets.
Sampath Bank’s role in the partnership focuses on easing the financial pathway to ownership. Under the agreement, eligible customers can access a reduction of 0.5 percent per annum from the Bank’s published interest rate when obtaining a vehicle lease, subject to applicable terms and conditions. This incentive directly lowers the total cost of financing, making advanced mobility solutions more attainable for a broader customer base.
Beyond leasing, the Bank has structured complementary benefits designed to simplify the overall purchase process. Customers can obtain loans to cover vehicle insurance premiums, with no interest charged if the insurance loan is settled within two months. Additionally, customers introduced by Hayleys Mobility may access Sampath Bank credit cards without a joining fee, while insurance payments made through these cards qualify for a 0 percent interest plan spread over twelve months. Collectively, these measures aim to reduce upfront costs and improve cash flow management for buyers transitioning to electric or hybrid vehicles.
Hayleys Mobility enhances this financial support with a comprehensive ownership ecosystem. Customers receive full manufacturer warranties, certified after-sales service, and access to genuine parts, ensuring reliability and long-term value. Round-the-clock roadside assistance, available through an official hotline, further reinforces confidence among first-time EV and hybrid owners who may be navigating new technology.
Charging infrastructure remains a critical factor in sustainable mobility adoption, and the partnership addresses this challenge through Hayleys Mobility’s collaboration with StarCharge, a global leader in EV charging and microgrid solutions. By expanding access to dependable charging options, the initiative helps mitigate range anxiety and supports everyday usability, particularly as Sri Lanka’s EV ecosystem continues to mature.
The collaboration also reflects the complementary strengths of the two organisations. Sampath Bank brings deep financial expertise, customer reach, and a track record of innovative banking solutions. Hayleys Fentons contributes a 106-year engineering legacy, technical know-how, and established service networks. Together, they offer a proposition that combines cutting-edge vehicle technology with pragmatic financial structures, aligning sustainability goals with real-world affordability.
From a broader perspective, the initiative supports national objectives around energy efficiency, reduced emissions, and technological advancement. By encouraging the uptake of electric and hybrid vehicles, the partnership contributes to lowering dependence on imported fossil fuels and promoting cleaner urban environments. For consumers, it represents a tangible opportunity to participate in the transition to greener transport without compromising on quality, performance, or financial stability.
As Sri Lanka’s mobility landscape evolves, collaborations such as this signal a shift from niche adoption to mainstream acceptance of new energy vehicles. With attractive financing, robust after-sales support, and expanding charging infrastructure, Sampath Bank and Hayleys Mobility are positioning sustainable transport not as a distant aspiration, but as a practical choice available today.