PROTON prepares to introduce e.MAS NEVs in Sri Lanka

As Sri Lanka continues its economic recovery following recent macroeconomic stabilization efforts and shifts toward more sustainable energy policies, PROTON is making preparations to enter the island nation’s automotive market.

A formal Distributorship Agreement with David Pieris Holdings (Private) Limited (DPHL), one of Sri Lanka’s largest automotive conglomerates, has been signed with Proton International Corporation, the export arm of the Malaysian automaker.

Fifth export market
Under the agreement, sales and retail operations for PROTON’s New Energy Vehicle (NEV) brand, e.MAS, are scheduled to commence in Sri Lanka in 2026. This will be the fifth official export market for e.MAS as the brand seeks to build its presence in emerging international automotive sectors.

DPHL will handle distribution and retail through a subsidiary, using its operational experience in the local automotive sector dating back to 1970.

PROTON plans to leverage DPHL’s existing infrastructure, particularly its in-house financing and logistics arms, to establish an integrated retail and aftersales support system for Sri Lankan customers.

Brunei to be included soon
The move into Sri Lanka represents the latest step in PROTON’s export expansion strategy for its e.MAS NEV brand. Sri Lanka joins Singapore, Trinidad & Tobago, Mauritius, and Nepal on the export list, with Brunei to be included in the near future.

In several export destinations, e.MAS models represent the sole offerings carrying the PROTON nameplate while, in other regions, they complement existing ICE (internal combustion engine) vehicle portfolios.

“The launch of Proton e.MAS has paved the way towards better market penetration for Proton International Corporation. For some markets, our NEV vehicles are the only models sold to carry the Proton brand while in markets that also have ICE offerings, our distributors are able to offer a more holistic mobility solution to their customers,” said said Edmund Lim Meng Thong, Chief Executive Officer, Proton International Corporation.

Dominant in home market
The e.MAS brand currently leads the local NEV sector in Malaysia. Domestic and export figures reached 21,808 units sold during the first 7 months of 2026, bringing cumulative sales past 30,000 units since the introduction of the Proton e.MAS 7 in December 2024. PROTON attributes this dominance to a combination of affordably priced offerings and the extensive sales and service network.

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