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Taking a bold step towards curtailing emission levels and improving and preserving air quality in Sri Lanka, the Sri Lankan government implemented the Mandatory Annual Vehicle Emission Testing in year 2008. The emission levels of a tested vehicle have to be within a set range of parameters to pass the VET and acquire the annual test certificate which is required to renew the revenue license.
The VET or the Vehicle Emission Testing certification is sadly misunderstood to be a burden than a benefit among the Sri Lankan public. Since the VET certification requirements were made mandatory by the Department of Motor Traffic for the renewal of the revenue license, motorists generally consider this as a major hassle and a dent on the pocket.
“This however is only because of the lack of awareness of the many benefits associated with the VET certification process,” explained Damayantha Darmasiriwardane, CEO of
Laugfs Eco Sri Ltd., the pioneering, government appointed Vehicle Emission Testing service provider in Sri Lanka. Apart from the many social related benefits, motorists should become aware of the major economic benefit associated with VET testing.
“If a vehicle passes the VET test, it means that the combustion process is efficient. A failed test will give test indicators that are directly linked with the engine’s fuel efficiency. If a vehicle fail the VET test, our center technicians as well as the Technical Help Desk personnel will guide the customer on how to rectify the situation. By following the repair guidance, a vehicle owner can ensure that his or her vehicle’s engine is brought back to fuel efficient levels.
“This will save a lot of money from being wasted from low fuel efficiency across the whole year. If the annual VET test was not there, motorist will continue to run the vehicle at a low fuel efficient condition as they are unaware of this situation,” elaborated Laugfs Eco Sri Head of Technical Chinthana Wagapitiya. The test readings from the Laugfs Eco Sri centers are linked to the head office Technical Help Desk on real time basis. Therefore, when a tested vehicle fails, these expert technical support personnel will be able to identify where the probable issue is by analysing the result data from the test. The Eco Sri Technical Help Desk assistance is available during operational hours free of any charge to any consumer interested in understanding why their vehicle may have failed and how to rectify the situation. The number to call is 0117-770-770.
Apart from the economic benefits of VET, there are major health and environmental benefits too. Managing air quality will ensure a healthy environment for the society and specially the younger generation who will otherwise suffer illnesses such as COPD and Asthma which are related to respiration system and inhalation of pollutants. The reduced air pollution will also ensure lower levels of Carbon Monoxide, Sulfur Dioxide and Particulate Matter being released to the atmosphere.
Laugfs Eco Sri Ltd. is the appointed service provider for the VET program and operates over 100 fixed centers and approximately 150 mobile locations across the country to make this service easily accessible to the customer. The testing is done using state of the art, test equipment of European origin. The awarding of the ISO 9002 quality certification to the company in year 2011 is a testimony of the company’s adherence to high standards.
Qualified technical staff is used in manning the centers and conducting the tests as per the procedure set out by the Department of Motor Traffic which officiate the entire VET program at national level. The company’s effort in not only providing a world class testing services but also educating the public on the social and economic benefits is laudable.
