Digital Mobility Solutions Lanka PLC (PickMe) has called for urgent enforcement of the Rule of Law following escalating incidents of intimidation and unlawful interference targeting independent drivers operating via ride-hailing apps in key tourist destinations. The company warns that unchecked behaviour by non-app-based three-wheeler operators is not only undermining fair competition but also exploiting tourists through inflated fares.
In a formal letter to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), PickMe expressed grave concern over reports from Ella and other tourist hotspots where app-based drivers have faced physical assault, property damage, and road blockades. Several incidents, captured on video and widely circulated online, reveal organised groups obstructing lawful transport providers and creating “exclusive zones” where tourists are denied choice and transparency.
“No individual or informal group has the authority to declare exclusive zones on public roads or national tourist sites,” said PickMe CEO Jiffry Zulfer, stressing that such actions violate constitutional rights to lawful employment and freedom of movement. He warned that these practices have evolved beyond a commercial dispute into a matter of public order, consumer protection, and national interest.
Tourists Overcharged, Sri Lanka’s Image at Risk
PickMe highlighted that the absence of law enforcement has enabled price manipulation and consumer exploitation, particularly targeting foreign visitors. Non-app-based three-wheelers often charge tourists exorbitant rates without transparency, damaging Sri Lanka’s reputation as a safe and welcoming destination. “These incidents undermine confidence in our tourism sector and could have lasting economic consequences,” Zulfer added.
The company noted that Sri Lanka is actively rebuilding its tourism industry and cannot afford negative publicity stemming from lawlessness in transport services. It urged authorities to recognise that organised intimidation and fare exploitation threaten both public safety and the livelihoods of over 100,000 families who depend on digital mobility platforms.
Call for Immediate Action
PickMe requested the IGP to issue written circulars to all police stations, especially in tourist-sensitive areas, affirming the right of lawful transport providers to operate without harassment. The company called for a zero-tolerance approach to “mafia-style” tactics, an internal review mechanism to monitor enforcement in tourist zones, and a Joint Stakeholder Coordination Forum to develop a long-term safety framework.
While reiterating that PickMe is a technology platform and not an employer, Zulfer emphasised its corporate responsibility to safeguard consumer choice and transparency. “We are committed to working with law enforcement to protect lawful livelihoods, prevent exploitation, and preserve confidence in Sri Lanka’s digital economy,” he said.
PickMe has requested an urgent meeting with the IGP to discuss immediate measures and sustainable solutions to ensure safety for citizens, drivers, and visitors alike.