A large number of Pick Me and Uber taxi drivers from various parts of the country have gathered in Ella, after reports of fellow drivers being assaulted in the area.
Police said complaints have been lodged with the Ella Police, stating that PickMe and Uber drivers arriving in the Ella tourist area have been threatened and assaulted by local taxi drivers.
Speaking on behalf of the group, one driver said that they arrived in Ella as an act of solidarity and to urge authorities to take strict action against the perpetrators.
“As a group which strengthens the tourism industry by bringing in large volumes of foreign exchange, we are appalled by this event. We didn’t come here for a protest or demonstration. We came here for to show support for our fellow drivers, as the suspects have been produced before the Bandarawela Magistrate Court,” he said.
Issuing a statement, the Police Media Unit said the Police have launched an investigation into the matter.
According to the Police, in recent days, social media posts have circulated showing Ella Police officers speaking with ride‑hailing drivers and advising against operating in the area. A video related to this has also been widely shared online.
Following the circulation of the video, a formal complaint was received at the Ella Police Station on 19 December 2025. Investigations were then handed over to the Assistant Superintendent of Police in Bandarawela. Subsequently, the Police officers connected to the incident were immediately transferred to the Bandarawela Police Station.
On 21 December 2025, further complaints were reported to the Ella Police regarding assaults on PickMe and Uber drivers, including damage caused to vehicles. Another complaint stated that a female driver of one of the ride‑hailing cars had been assaulted and robbed of money. Investigations into these incidents have also been initiated.
The Police said that during the investigations, it was revealed that two suspects involved in damaging vehicles and assaulting drivers, as well as one suspect connected to the assault and robbery of the female driver, have been arrested by the Ella Police. (Newswire)
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