CommunicationPublished on 25 June 2026

Colombo – Sustainable Mobility on Three Wheels

As part of its Sustainable Embassy strategy, the Embassy of Switzerland in Colombo has introduced an eTukTuk. Tuk‑tuks are an everyday mode of transport in Colombo; this new vehicle combines eco‑friendly mobility, Swiss design, and local innovation. A design competition with the Academy of Design and cooperation with Elektrateq made the project possible.

Ambassador Siri Walt in the new eTukTuk of the Embassy of Switzerland in Colombo. — © Elektrateq

Among numerous other measures, the Swiss representation in Colombo introduced an electric tuk‑tuk as part of its Sustainable Embassy efforts. This contributes particularly to reducing the ecological footprint and improving energy and resource efficiency in the embassy’s daily operations. The strategy also includes broader objectives, such as promoting biodiversity and developing climate‑friendly infrastructure in the host country. Staff members are likewise encouraged to play an active role in this transition.

Tuk‑tuks are omnipresent in Sri Lanka and especially popular in central Colombo for short‑distance travel. The new eTukTuk offers an environmentally friendly, modern, and Swiss‑inspired reinterpretation of this familiar form of mobility.

Creative design with a Swiss signature

To give the eTukTuk a unique visual identity, the Embassy launched a design competition with the Academy of Design (AOD) in Colombo. Students were invited to reinterpret the traditional Swiss “silhouette” design provided by Presence Switzerland and apply it to the three‑dimensional tuk‑tuk model.
The winning design now gives the eTukTuk a fresh, modern look.

Partnerships and symbolism

Thanks to close cooperation with Elektrateq, the vehicle manufacturer and wrapping partner, the eTukTuk became a reality. The Embassy is proud to be the first mission in Sri Lanka to operate an eTukTuk. The vehicle stands for sustainable mobility, Swiss creativity, and environmental awareness — a truly visible symbol!

Additional sustainability initiatives of the Embassy

The introduction of the eTukTuk is only one part of the broader Sustainable Embassy strategy in Colombo. The embassy continues to implement new solutions to reduce its environmental footprint and advance the 2030 Agenda.

Key projects include:

• Solar energy

  The embassy and the official residence of the Ambassador are equipped with solar panels. Sri Lanka has significant solar potential, and the embassy supports national goals of reaching 70% renewable energy by 2030 and becoming carbon‑neutral by 2050.

• Urban gardening: from lawn to vegetable garden

  In partnership with Baurs, the embassy has transformed its green space into a sustainable vegetable garden. The harvest is donated to a local school and a retirement home, offering both ecological and social benefits.

  Video Garden

• Recycling and team lunches to reduce plastic

  Following the national “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative launched in January 2025, the embassy separates paper, plastic, and organic waste. A weekly team lunch order also helps reduce single‑use packaging and strengthens team spirit.

• Other internal measures

  The plastic water dispenser has been replaced with a filtration system, and digital archiving reduces paper consumption.

Step by step, the embassy’s daily operations reflect the spirit of the 2030 Agenda and mark a visible commitment to a more sustainable future.

The Embassy remains convinced: every measure, big or small, brings us closer to a climate‑friendly and fairer world.

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