Pickme calls for IGP intervention as ‘taxi mafias’ threaten tourist safety

Digital Mobility Solutions Lanka PLC (PickMe) has formally written to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) expressing grave concern over escalating incidents of intimidation, violence, and unlawful interference directed at independent transport providers in key tourist locations. 

The company noted that a series of disturbing incidents in Ella and other tourist-sensitive areas—some of which were captured on video—have seen drivers facing physical assault, property damage, and the unlawful obstruction of public roads. PickMe warned that what began as a commercial dispute has now evolved into a critical matter of public order, commuter safety, and national interest.

“No individual or informal group has the authority to declare exclusive zones on public roads or national tourist sites,” stated PickMe CEO Jiffry Zulfer, emphasizing that every Sri Lankan citizen holds a constitutional right to lawful employment and freedom of movement. 

The company highlighted that the visibility of these incidents among international visitors poses a direct risk to Sri Lanka’s image at a time when the country is actively rebuilding its tourism sector. Zulfer added that such occurrences could have lasting negative consequences for the wider economy and the nation’s reputation as a safe destination.

Beyond safety concerns, the company pointed out that the creation of “exclusive zones” by informal groups facilitates price manipulation, a lack of transparency, and consumer exploitation. This particularly affects tourists and daily commuters who are denied fair choice and transparent pricing, distorting market competition to the detriment of the general public. 

PickMe further noted that organized intimidation threatens the livelihoods of over 100,000 Sri Lankan families who depend on digital mobility ecosystems for their income.
The company also expressed concern over reports of uneven law enforcement at the local level, where some independent drivers were allegedly advised to withdraw rather than being protected by authorities. As the government advances its National Digitisation Strategy 2025, PickMe argued that digital platforms have become a core part of the country’s economic infrastructure. Consequently, the company has called for clear, top-down directives to ensure consistent and impartial enforcement of the law across all provinces, particularly in tourist hotspots.

In its communication to the IGP, PickMe made several formal requests, including the issuance of written circular instructions to all police stations affirming the right of lawful transport providers to operate without obstruction. The company urged a zero-tolerance approach to “mafia-style” tactics and proposed the establishment of an internal review mechanism to monitor police performance in tourist zones. 

Additionally, PickMe proposed a Joint Stakeholder Coordination Forum to facilitate monthly collaboration between law enforcement and digital mobility platforms to assess risks and develop a long-term safety framework.