Taxi drivers operating through ride-hailing applications lodged a complaint with the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) yesterday (29), citing alleged injustices and harassment faced while carrying out their services.
The complaint follows a recent incident in Ella, where an app-based taxi driver was allegedly threatened by three-wheeler drivers operating in the area. In recent weeks, several similar incidents have been reported involving taxi drivers, despite the three-wheeler industry providing employment to thousands across the country.
According to the complainants, some three-wheeler drivers have allegedly engaged in illegal activities, including threats, intimidation and assaults against drivers attached to app-based transport services. There have also been instances where foreign tourists were inconvenienced by such actions.
At present, three-wheeler drivers in several parts of the island are staging protests against app-based passenger transport services, claiming that the lower fares offered by these platforms are affecting their livelihoods. Protests have been reported in areas including Ella, Weligama and Sigiriya.
Against this backdrop, a group of app-based passenger transport service drivers submitted a formal complaint to the HRCSL, seeking intervention and protection of their rights.
