HelaGo, Sri Lanka’s emerging ride-hailing platform built on an open and fair operating model, has secured USD 1 million in seed funding to accelerate its expansion and introduce a new era of transparency and equality in the country’s mobility sector.
The funding comes through a partnership with the David Pieris Group, one of Sri Lanka’s largest and most respected mobility conglomerates.
This marks a significant milestone for HelaGo, as it is the first time the Helakuru ecosystem has accepted external funding in its 14-year journey. The infusion of capital and operational strength positions HelaGo to rapidly scale across Sri Lanka while continuing to uphold its vision of a ride-hailing service that is built entirely for the benefit of both drivers and passengers.
HelaGo was developed with the objective of transforming Sri Lanka’s ride-hailing landscape by addressing the long-standing pain points faced by drivers and riders. The platform introduces an innovative “Open & Fair” pricing framework, where fares are determined through transparent driver–passenger agreement rather than algorithmic or centrally controlled pricing. This approach creates a healthier market dynamic, ensuring fair earnings for drivers and greater clarity and choice for passengers.
The new partnership strengthens HelaGo with the David Pieris Group’s extensive islandwide reach, strong after-sales network, and close relationship with Sri Lanka’s three-wheeler driver community. Combined with Helakuru’s technological capabilities and the trust of millions of Sri Lankans, HelaGo is now positioned to scale rapidly as one of the country’s most promising locally built digital platforms.
The USD 1 million seed funding will be utilized to expand operations, onboard drivers across the island, enhance the technology infrastructure, and drive adoption among passengers. With both organisations being 100% Sri Lankan owned, the collaboration reinforces the importance of home grown innovation in building national-scale digital solutions suited to Sri Lankan realities.
HelaGo aims to deliver a ride-hailing experience that is fair, transparent, and empowering for all stakeholders, and this partnership marks the beginning of a new chapter for the country’s transport ecosystem. The platform invites Sri Lankan drivers and passengers to join this movement as it prepares to redefine mobility in the months ahead.
