Concerns on three-wheeler regulation in tourist areas

4 April 2026 12:21 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 2 Bookmark

A A A

The continued inaction by authorities regarding the growing influence of informal three-wheeler taxi groups is deeply concerning.

In several tourist destinations such as Weligama, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, and Ella, passengers are increasingly subjected to arbitrary minimum fares Rs. 200, Rs. 300, and even Rs. 500 irrespective of distance compared to Rs.120 in Colombo.

This situation reflects a loss of regulatory control.

Commuters face: Unpredictable and non-metered charges; poor and sometimes unsafe driving practices; unprofessional and, at times, unacceptable behaviour. At a time when the Government is actively promoting tourism, the message carried back by visitors is deeply damaging. Tourists who experience overcharging, confusion, or intimidation are unlikely to recommend Sri Lanka as a fair and welcoming destination. Word-of-mouth, travel reviews, and social media narratives can quickly undermine years of promotional effort, portraying the country as disorganized and exploitative rather than hospitable.

There is an urgent need for: Strict enforcement of metered fares; visible regulatory oversight in tourist zones; a formal complaint and penalty system; promotion of app-based or regulated taxi alternatives.

Without timely intervention, this issue risks becoming entrenched, undermining both public trust and the country’s tourism ambitions.

Upali Weerasinghe

Comments - 2

Sokrates Saturday, 04 April 2026 08:01 AM

The right thing to do would be to get rid of these rolling death traps altogether. Step by step. The first step would be a ban on imports and a ban on production. Then, over a period of several years, they would be scrapped depending on their year of manufacture. But that will never happen because of the high voter turnout they generate. This government, with its two-thirds majority, now has the opportunity to do this, but that won’t happen either.

2 0

Mudalige Philip Sunday, 05 April 2026 08:37 AM

There are a few locations in Kandy that are completely under the control of the 3 wheel mafia. No taxis of Pick Me would be allowed in. In fact the Pick Me drivers are reluctant to venture into those locations for fear of being assaulted by the mafia members. Kandy railway station, outside the KCC, the market are few of the places inaccessible to the others. The intervention of the authorities wlll be much appreciated. This is further aggravated by the fact that there are no taxi meters in the city.

0 0

222

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.