Sri Lanka’s Three-Wheeler Drivers Demand Uniform Fare Formula in High-Level Meeting with IGP
By Lions Roar Aotearoa Transport & Logistics Desk
COLOMBO, SRI LANKA (Saturday, January 31, 2026) — A group of independent three-wheeler drivers met with the Inspector General of Police (IGP) today to demand a unified pricing formula for both app-based transport services and independent taxi operators. The drivers are calling for a “level playing field” as competition between traditional metered taxis and digital platforms continues to spark tension across the island.
🚕 The Core Dispute: Apps vs. Independent Drivers
Following the meeting, representatives from several three-wheeler driver unions spoke to the media, highlighting the severe economic impact of the current pricing disparity.
- Pricing Gap: Drivers claimed that app-based services often lure passengers with significantly lower base rates, which has drastically reduced the daily income of independent drivers who do not use these platforms.
- The “Fixed” Argument: Union leaders argued that if a uniform fare were implemented, passengers would be free to choose their preferred service based on quality and convenience rather than price alone.
- Evidence of “Surge Pricing”: Independent drivers refuted claims that they overcharge, noting that while they charge a steady Rs. 85 to Rs. 100 for the first kilometer, they have evidence that app-based services hike prices excessively during peak “surge” hours.
⚖️ Regulation Responsibility: NTC vs. Private Firms
The drivers emphasized a critical legal point regarding who holds the power to set transport rates in Sri Lanka.
“The authority to determine fares rests solely with the National Transport Commission (NTC), not private companies,” a spokesperson for the drivers stated. They argued that private app companies are currently operating in a regulatory vacuum that allows them to manipulate market prices at the expense of professional drivers’ livelihoods.
🛡️ Rising Tensions in Tourist Zones
The lack of a formal regulation has led to more than just economic hardship; it has resulted in physical confrontations in key travel destinations.
- Hotspots: Over the past few months, clashes have been reported in high-traffic tourist areas such as Ella and Sigiriya.
- The Conflict: Local drivers in these regions have often felt displaced by app-based drivers coming from outside the area, leading to heated standoffs and “no-go” zones for app-users in certain rural villages.
📊 Comparison of Current Fare Arguments
| Feature | Independent Metered Taxis | App-Based Services (Uber/PickMe) |
| First KM Rate | Fixed (Rs. 85 – Rs. 100) | Variable (Base rate often lower) |
| Peak Hours | Remains Stable | Surge Pricing (Significant Increase) |
| Regulation | Self-Regulated / Police Guidelines | Company Algorithms |
| Public Perception | Accused of overcharging | Perceived as cheaper/transparent |
