ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka rid-hailing company PickMe says it has sought police protection and even-handed law enforcement for drivers after gangs of tuk-tuk drivers assaulted and intimidated drivers on its app to stop competition in some tourist hotspots.
“The company’s letter follows a series of disturbing incidents in Ella and other tourist sensitive areas, where independent drivers using digital platforms have reportedly faced physical assault, property damage, and unlawful obstruction of public roads,” Picke Me said in a statement.
“Several of these incidents were captured on video and circulated widely online.”
The three-wheeler drivers were resorting to violence to protect themselves from competition from Pick Me drivers who are offering better rates.
The violent protectionism of three wheeler drivers come as the state, using its coercive powers and the capacity for violence through an armed police and customs, banned the import of tinned fish to give profits politically powerful tinned fish producers.
The company expressed concerns to the police chief over selective implementation of the law, where ride hailing drivers were told to leave by policy.
“The company called for clear, top-down directives to ensure consistent and impartial enforcement of the law across all provinces, particularly in tourist hotspots,” the company said.
“In its communication to the Inspector General of Police, PickMe made several formal requests. It asked for written circular instructions to be issued to all police stations, particularly in tourist-sensitive areas, affirming the right of lawful transport providers to operate without intimidation or obstruction.
“PickMe also called for a zero-tolerance approach to organised, unlawful intimidation and “mafia-style” tactics targeting individuals who use digital platforms.”
In areas like Ella, three wheeler fares have been cartelized and pushed up to prohibitive levels, there increasing complaints on social media groups.
“No individual or informal group has the authority to declare exclusive zones on public roads or national tourist sites,” Jiffry Zulfer, CEO of PickMe said.
Every Sri Lankan citizen has a constitutional right to lawful employment and freedom of movement, he said.
The visibility of these incidents among tourists poses a direct risk to Sri Lanka’s international image at a time when the country is actively rebuilding its tourism sector.
“Such incidents undermine Sri Lanka’s image as a safe, welcoming destination and can have lasting consequences for the tourism sector and the wider economy,” Zulfer said.
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