A three-wheeler driver has been arrested after allegedly attempting to overcharge two foreign tourists visiting Colombo on a brief stopover from a cruise ship.
According to reports, the tourists had hired the tuk-tuk for a city tour covering several locations, including Galle Face Green and the Gangaramaya Temple, after arriving at the Colombo Port.
The driver had reportedly agreed to transport the tourists for Rs. 18,000.
During the journey, one of the tourists had handed over a bank card to the driver to withdraw money from an ATM. However, the driver had allegedly withdrawn Rs. 90,000 on two occasions, amounting to Rs. 180,000 instead of the agreed amount.
The tourists later questioned the driver, who allegedly claimed the full amount was the fare for the journey.
As the tourists were due to return to their cruise ship shortly afterwards, they had informed the tourist police stationed at the port.
Police later located the three-wheeler driver and reportedly recovered Rs. 180,000 from his possession before placing him under arrest.
The tourists had reportedly been informed that the money would be returned to them through their embassy following legal proceedings. (Newswire)