Digital Mobility Solutions Lanka PLC, the company behind Sri Lanka’s local taxi service provider ‘PickMe’, has formally written to the Inspector General of Police expressing grave concern over escalating incidents of intimidation, obstruction, and unlawful interference and violence directed at independent transport providers operating voluntarily through ride-hailing applications in key tourist locations. 

Issuing a statement, the company said its letter follows a series of incidents in Ella and other tourist-sensitive areas, where independent drivers using digital platforms have reportedly faced physical assault, property damage, and unlawful obstruction of public roads. Several of these incidents were captured on video and circulated widely online, it pointed out.

PickMe warned that what began as a commercial dispute has now evolved into a matter of public order, commuter safety, consumer protection, and national interest. “No individual or informal group has the authority to declare exclusive zones on public roads or national tourist sites,” Jiffry Zulfer, CEO of PickMe, stated, noting that every Sri Lankan citizen has a constitutional right to lawful employment and freedom of movement. 

PickMe emphasised that the visibility of these incidents among tourists poses a direct risk to Sri Lanka’s international image at a time when the country is actively rebuilding its tourism sector. “Such incidents undermine Sri Lanka’s image as a safe, welcoming destination and can have lasting consequences for the tourism sector and the wider economy,” the CEO added. 

The company further highlighted that the creation of so-called “exclusive zones” facilitates price manipulation, lack of transparency, and consumer exploitation, particularly affecting tourists and daily commuters who are denied fair choice and transparent pricing. Such practices distort fair market competition and operate to the detriment of consumers and the broader public.

“As the Government advances its National Digitisation Strategy 2025, including initiatives such as GovPay for police services, digital platforms have become part of Sri Lanka’s economic infrastructure,” noted the CEO of PickMe. “Organised intimidation threatens the livelihoods of over 100,000 Sri Lankan families who depend on digital mobility ecosystems for income.” 

PickMe further expressed concern over reports of uneven law enforcement at local level, where some independent drivers were allegedly advised to withdraw rather than being protected. The company 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 Inspector General of Police, PickMe made several formal requests. It asked for written circular instructions to be issued to all police stations, particularly in tourist-sensitive areas, affirming the right of lawful transport providers to operate without intimidation or obstruction. PickMe also called for a zero-tolerance approach to organised, unlawful intimidation and “mafia-style” tactics targeting individuals who use digital platforms. In addition, it requested the establishment of an internal review mechanism, overseen by Police Headquarters, to monitor enforcement performance in tourist zones. Finally, PickMe proposed the creation of a Joint Stakeholder Coordination Forum that would bring together law enforcement and digital mobility platforms on a monthly basis to share evidence, assess risks, and develop a long-term safety framework. 

While reiterating that PickMe is a technology platform and not the employer of independent drivers, the company emphasised its moral and corporate responsibility to safeguard Sri Lanka’s digital economy and protect consumer choice and transparency. 

“We are committed to working collaboratively with law enforcement to ensure public safety, protect lawful livelihoods, prevent consumer exploitation, and preserve confidence in Sri Lanka’s transition toward a modern, digital economy,” PickMe said. 

The company has requested a meeting with the Inspector General of Police to discuss immediate measures and longer-term solutions to ensure safety for citizens, drivers, and visitors alike. (Newswire)

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A disaster preparedness drill was conducted near Ella Town today (16), jointly organized by the Disaster Management Centre and the Badulla District Secretariat, with participation from all government institutions in the district.

According to the Badulla District Secretariat, as a district frequently affected by disasters, preparedness and coordination for emergency response in Badulla have been further strengthened with the aim of improving search and rescue capabilities and saving lives.

Participants of the disaster preparedness drill included Badulla District Secretary Prabath Abeywardena, Uva Province Governor Kapila Jayasekara, the Ella Divisional Secretary, Badulla Municipal Council, representatives from the 112 and Civil Defence Headquarters, the Eladaluwa Army Camp, Badulla Police Station, the Divisional Council, the 1990 Ambulance Service, Badulla Teaching Hospital, and rescue teams. (Newswire)

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Governor of Uva Province, Kapila Jayasekara, has expressed his appreciation for the support provided by the Muslim community following the tragic bus accident on the Ella–Wellawaya road that claimed the lives of fifteen individuals. 

Following the accident, Muslim religious leaders and community members from areas including Diyatalawa, Bandarawela, Welimada, Bakinigahawela, and Badulla had offered free funeral transport services to carry the remains of the deceased to Tangalle.

Governor Kapila Jayasekara visited the Anwar Jumma Mosque in Badulla last week (12 Sept) to express appreciation for the support provided by the Muslim community.

During his visit, the Governor met with Muslim religious leaders and members of the Muslim community and extended his heartfelt gratitude to all who had assisted in various ways during the aftermath of the tragedy. (Newswire/ Image- Dinamina)

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The owner of the bus involved in the recent tragic accident in Ella has been arrested by the Police.

According to the Police, the man was arrested for failing to properly maintain the vehicle used in public transportation. 

The 41-year-old resident of Angunukolapelessa was arrested by the Ella Police yesterday. 

He is due to be produced before the Bandarawela Magistrate’s Court today. 

A total of 15 people were killed and 18 were injured after the bus hit an SUV and fell into a precipice in Ella last week (04). 

At the time of the accident, the bus was carrying municipal employees and their families returning from a Nuwara Eliya excursion. (Newswire)

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The driver of the SUV who narrowly escaped the deadly bus accident near Ella recently says the bus came “like a decorated pandal with lights, at lightning speed,” before colliding with his vehicle and plunging into a ravine, the Lankadeepa newspaper reported. 

The crash occurred on the Ella–Wellawaya main road near the 15th milepost on September 4, killing 15 people and injuring 18. 

Police said moments before the tragedy, the bus carrying municipal employees returning from a Nuwara Eliya excursion struck a luxury SUV carrying three brothers from Buttala. The siblings survived with only minor damage to their vehicle.

According to the newspaper, 22-year-old Chamindu Deshan, who was driving the Range Rover, said he and his younger brothers were returning home when the bus appeared suddenly.

“I saw the bus coming from Ella toward Wellawaya, lit up with flashing lights, speeding directly at me. I swerved left, but it clipped the right side of my vehicle and then vanished from sight,” he said.

Moments later, cries for help were heard from the ravine below. Deshan and his brothers, together with Sri Lanka Army personnel who arrived with ropes and flashlights, helped rescue several children and women trapped in the bus before emergency services reached the scene.

The brothers later gave statements to police, and Deshan was released on bail after being produced in court. Their vehicle sustained damage, but they escaped unhurt.

“Although our lives were spared, many innocent people lost theirs. We are deeply saddened by this tragedy,” Deshan said. (Newswire)

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The President’s Fund will provide Rs. 1 million each to the families of those who lost their lives in the bus accident that occurred on the Ella–Wellawaya main road last night, the President’s Media Division said.

The decision comes a day after the tragedy, in which a bus carrying passengers toppled into a precipice, leaving 15 people dead and several others injured.

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The conductor of the bus involved in the accident in Ella on Thursday claims that the driver informed him of a brake malfunction prior to the accident.

Speaking to the media, the conductor, who survived the deadly accident, said that while driving downhill, the driver had informed him that the brakes were failing.

He further said that they had managed to come downhill and that the bus had toppled into a precipice while attempting to overtake a tipper truck. 

“While coming downhill, he said the brakes were down. We somehow managed to come downhill. Then, when trying to overtake a tipper truck, the accident occurred. We were not driving at high speed,” he said. 

The conductor made the revelation while speaking to the media from the hospital where he is receiving treatment for injuries sustained in the accident. 

As of now, 15 people are reported dead and 18 were injured in the accident that occurred last night. (Newswire)

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A Special Forces soldier of the Sri Lanka Army has been recognized for his brave attempt to save three victims of the bus accident in Ella on Thursday. 

According to information received by the army, the first group of soldiers arrived at the accident site near Ravana Falls around 9:20 PM.

At the scene, a large crowd had gathered and among them was a young man wearing a Special Forces T-shirt, who took leadership of a small group and began rescuing the victims.

It is reported that four deceased individuals and three injured persons were trapped above the location where the bus had come to a halt after toppling into a precipice. 

Despite the extreme difficulty of reaching the site, almost impossible for an ordinary person, the young man had climbed down and carried all the deceased and injured individuals to safety, without regard for his own life.

While rappelling down with one of the injured victims, the man had struck his head on a rock and sustained a serious injury. It is reported that even in pain, he continued to assist in the rescue operation.

Following the rescue mission, he was later given initial medical treatment and admitted to Badulla Hospital.

It was later found that the individual was Lance Corporal W.M.V.M. Bandara of the 2nd Special Forces Regiment of the Sri Lanka Army.

The officer who was home on leave had responded to the accident, which occurred near his residence, helping rescue the victims.

As of now, 15 people, including the driver, were killed and 18 were injured in the tragic accident. (Newswire)

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Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has expressed his condolences to the victims of the bus accident in Ella on Thursday, stating that he is deeply saddened by the fatal vehicle accident.

Issuing a statement, MP Premadasa said that as people’s representatives in Parliament, they are committed to taking every possible step and policy decision necessary to minimize the occurrence of such incidents in the future.

Full statement:

We pray for the eternal peace of all those who lost their lives in the tragic bus accident that occurred last night in the Ella area, including the Secretary of the Tangalle Municipal Council. We also wish a speedy recovery to everyone who was injured.

At the same time, we extend our respect and heartfelt gratitude to the security forces, including the police, rescue teams, medical staff, and the people of Ella who acted swiftly to save the lives of the passengers following this unfortunate incident.

This tragedy once again highlights our noble quality as a nation: the spirit of helping one another in times of disaster.

I firmly believe that all Sri Lankans will unite in sharing the sorrow of this loss with the families of those who died, those injured, their relatives, and the staff of the Tangalle Municipal Council who have been deeply affected.

We have heard of many such tragic vehicle accidents in recent times. At this moment, I emphasize that we, the people’s representatives in Parliament, are committed to taking every possible step and policy decision necessary to minimize the occurrence of such incidents in the future.

Finally, while we pray for eternal peace for all who lost their lives in this unfortunate tragedy, we also pray for the speedy recovery of all who were injured. (Newswire)

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A victim who survived the Ella bus accident has revealed that the driver had claimed a brake failure minutes before the incident. 

The male victim said he was engaged in conversation with the driver and conductor, during which the driver had informed him of a brake failure while taking a bend.

He further said that the conductor and other passengers nearby had laughed at his comment and not taken it seriously.

“However, when he took the second bend, we realised there was no brake. The bus then crashed into a vehicle that had come in the opposite direction, after which it toppled into the precipice. I was unconscious for about an hour and woke up to the sound of a child crying. I couldn’t move. Later, the STF came and rescued us,” he revealed.

The victim made the revelation while speaking to the media from the Badulla Hospital, where he is undergoing treatment. 

A total of 15 persons were killed and 18 were injured after a bus travelling towards Wellawaya had collided with a jeep and toppled into a 1000-foot precipice last night. 

Around 30 people had been on board the bus at the time of the accident, while 06 men and 09 women had died in the incident. 

The injured persons, comprising 6 men, 5 women, 3 male children, and 2 female children, have been admitted to the Badulla Hospital. 

The accident occurred when the group was travelling from Tangalle to Ella on a leisure tour and was returning home.  The Ella Police is conducting further investigations. (Newswire)

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Military assistance has been provided for the rescue operation of the victims of the bus accident in Wellawaya on Thursday.

According to the Sri Lanka Army, a private bus carrying pilgrims from the Tangalle area met with an accident around 9:20 PM yesterday, overturning into a ravine near Mount 07 Hotel on the Ella–Wellawaya road, close to Ravana Falls. 

Acting under the instructions of Army Commander Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo, military personnel immediately joined the rescue efforts to assist those affected.

Approximately 200 army personnel, including members of the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment, the Gemunu Watch, and the Commando Regiment, were deployed from last night to support the emergency rescue operation.

The bus had come to a halt at the bottom of the ravine, and transporting the injured individuals uphill over half a kilometre proved to be an extremely difficult task. 

With the help of army commandos trained in rappelling and rescue operations, the victims were successfully evacuated and transported by ambulance to hospitals in Badulla, Bandarawela, and Diyatalawa.

The Sri Lankan Army added that a large number of local residents joined the army personnel in the rescue efforts, and thanks to their dedication and tireless work, the operation was successfully completed this morning. (Newswire)

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The driver of the SUV that had collided with the bus in Ella prior to it toppling into a precipice has been taken into custody in connection with the accident. 

The Police said the driver of the SUV had been arrested on charges of negligence and failure to prevent the accident.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Minister of Local Government, Ruwan Senarath, states that 13 employees of the Tangalle Urban Council have died in the Ella bus accident on Thursday.

The Deputy Minister said that 15 persons, including the Tangalle Urban Council Secretary, 12 UC employees, two children, and the driver of the bus, are reported dead.

Ruwan Senarath further said that a female is reported missing, as of now.

Furthermore, the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) has deployed an MI-17 helicopter at SLAF CTS Diyatalawa and a Bell 412 helicopter at SLAF Station Weerawila, both on standby to assist operations related to the bus accident.

The SLAF states that these air assets remain ready to airlift patients to Colombo or to support any required rescue operations.

A bus travelling towards Wellawaya had collided with a jeep and toppled into a 1000-foot precipice, killing 15 persons and injuring 18 others last night.

Around 30 people had been on board the bus at the time of the accident, while 06 men and 09 women had died in the incident. 

The injured persons, comprising 6 men, 5 women, 3 male children, and 2 female children, have been admitted to the Badulla Hospital. 

The accident occurred when the group was travelling from Tangalle to Ella on a leisure tour and was returning home. 

The Ella Police is conducting further investigations. (Newswire)

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The Department of Railways has decided to launch a new luxury train named ‘Ella Weekend Express’, operating from Colombo Fort to Badulla, it is reported.

According to News First, the Railway Department says the new luxury train is scheduled to commence service on 16 August.

The Railway Department says this new train service is being introduced to cater to the increased demand from tourists.

The new luxury train, which consists of 350 seats, will depart every Saturday at 5:30 am from Colombo Fort to Badulla.

The train will commence its return journey on Sundays at 9:00 pm from Badulla to Colombo Fort. (Newswire)

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The Kantale Chief Magistrate’s Court has sentenced to two months of rigorous imprisonment a school bus driver who was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol. 

Kantale Chief Magistrate D.P.G. Sandhareka further suspended the licence of the driver for a period of one year and also imposed a fine of Rs. 30,000 on the accused, a 38-year-old resident of Ella.

The driver had been found drunk while transporting schoolchildren from Ella to Trincomalee on an educational tour this week. 

The bus had been inspected by a Police mobile patrol unit in Thambalagamuwa, during which the driver was found to be drunk.

The officers had arrested him on the spot and provided another driver for the children to continue with their tour. (Newswire)

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An earthslip on the Ella-Wellawaya main road near the 12th-kilometre post has disrupted vehicular movements.

Accordingly, the Police have requested motorists to use alternative routes, until the road is cleared for traffic. (Newswire)

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Deputy Minister of Tourism Ruwan Ranasinghe has warned the public of false information being circulated related to the measures taken by the authorities to contain the fire raging in the Ella Forest Reserve. 

Addressing an event in Badulla, the Deputy Minister said that fake news was being spread about the firefighting operations underway. 

Providing a clarification, Deputy Minister Ruwan Ranasinghe said previous attempts to contain the fire using helicopters had failed due to the strong winds experienced in the area.

He said, therefore, at a recent meeting with Defence officials, a decision was taken to launch the fire extinguishing operation. 

The Deputy Minister of Tourism requested to refrain from spreading fake news related to the fire extinguishing operation in the Ella Forest Reserve. (Newswire)

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The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) has informed the Colombo Magistrate’s Court that concerning information has been uncovered on the involvement of certain officials in the train e-ticket scam.

CID officials told the court yesterday (Jan 28) that an investigation has been launched based on this information.

They stated that the probe had been launched after information had been extracted from the suspects arrested so far in connection to the e-ticket scam.

Stating that an initial probe had been launched based on a complaint filed by the Railway Department on the scam, the CID officials said four suspects have been arrested so far.

The Colombo Magistrate’s Court has instructed the CID to conduct further investigations into the matter and report facts to the court. 

The scam came to light when it was revealed that reserved tickets on the upcountry line were selling out within 46 seconds of release.

During a discussion of the Kandy District Coordination Committee meeting, Deputy Minister of Transport Prasanna Gunasena raised concerns over the large-scale racket related to e-tickets for train services to Ella.

Disclosing information on this racket, he noted there have been cases where groups that buy all the online tickets immediately are later seen selling a ticket worth Rs. 2,000 for Rs. 16,000 to foreigners. (Newswire)

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A 37-year-old man has been arrested for selling train tickets at exorbitant prices to foreign tourists.

The Police said 21 train tickets, Rs. 130,670 of cash earned through the scam, 130 record books, and a mobile phone had been seized from the suspect.

The suspect was arrested in the Suduhumpola area in Kandy yesterday based on a tip-off. 

Last week, Deputy Minister of Transport Prasanna Gunasena raised concerns over a large-scale racket related to e-tickets for train services to Ella after all tickets were sold out 42 seconds following the launching of online tickets.

Addressing the Kandy District Coordination Committee meeting, the Deputy Minister disclosed information on this racket, stating that a complaint had also been filed with the Criminal Investigations Department (CID).

Deputy Minister Prasanna Gunasena noted there have been cases where groups that buy all the online tickets immediately are later seen selling a ticket worth Rs. 2,000 for Rs. 16,000 to foreigners.

Stating that the racket selling train tickets at higher prices is being carried out centred on the Colombo-Fort, Kandy and Ella railway stations, he said three-wheelers parked near the railway station premises are found to be supporting it. (Newswire)

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Deputy Minister of Transport Prasanna Gunasena has raised concerns over a large-scale racket related to e-tickets for train services to Ella after all tickets were sold out 42 seconds following the launching of online tickets

Speaking at the Kandy District Coordination Committee meeting held yesterday, the Deputy Minister disclosed information on this racket, informing that a complaint has been filed with the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in this regard.

Deputy Minister Prasanna Gunasena further said that there have been cases where groups that buy all the tickets immediately are later selling a ticket worth Rs. 2,000 rupees for Rs. 16,000 to foreigners.

Stating that the racket of selling train tickets at higher prices is being carried out centred on the Colombo-Fort, Kandy and Ella railway stations, he said information is received that three-wheelers parked near the railway station premises support it. 

He pointed out that the Railway Department releases e-tickets valid for the relevant date on the internet a month before, and while waiting for the release, all the tickets are continuously sold out in around 42 seconds.

Expressing suspicion that this is being done by a person or a group with computer expertise, the Deputy Minister said the report related to the complaint made to the CID has not yet been received.

He further emphasized that there is a need to take urgent measures to address the fraud. 

Commenting on the matter, the Police said people who purchase tickets at a higher price from these racketeers only complain but do not help take legal action. (Newswire)

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‘Cafe Chill’ located in Ella, a small town nestled in the lush hills of Sri Lanka, has received global recognition by being listed in the Travelers’ Choice Awards’ Best of the Best Restaurants for casual dining.

The Sri Lankan cafe has been ranked 02nd among 25 restaurants across the world identified by renowned tourism website TripAdvisor. 

Describing the restaurant’s experience, TripAdvisor says, “Cafe Chill knows how to set the mood. Its thatched roof, ambient music, and hearty dishes come together to create a laid-back vibe, perfect for taking it slow. This is also a great spot for families and large groups.”

This global achievement marks a significant milestone for the country’s tourism industry, highlighting the growing appeal of Sri Lanka as a premier destination for travellers.

A Global Spotlight on Local Hospitality

‘Cafe Chill’, a popular hotspot among tourists and locals alike, has long been celebrated for its relaxed ambience, friendly service, and a menu that artfully blends Sri Lankan flavours with international dishes. The restaurant, located in the heart of Ella, is famous for its rooftop terrace that offers stunning views of the surrounding hills, providing the perfect backdrop for diners looking to unwind after exploring local attractions like Ella Rock and Little Adam’s Peak.

This latest accolade from TripAdvisor is a testament to the high standards of service and culinary excellence that ‘Cafe Chill’ has consistently maintained. The awards are based on millions of reviews and opinions from travellers worldwide, further amplifying the significance of this recognition.

A Culinary Gem in Sri Lanka

‘Cafe Chill’ offers a diverse menu that caters to a wide range of palates, including traditional Sri Lankan dishes, seafood specialities, and international favourites such as burgers, pizzas, and pasta. It is also known for its refreshing beverages, from fresh juices to exotic cocktails, making it a perfect stop for those exploring the scenic town of Ella.

The warm, welcoming ambience is enhanced by its rustic yet modern design, featuring open-air seating and wooden accents. Occasionally, the restaurant hosts live music events, adding to the vibrant energy that keeps visitors coming back.

Boosting Sri Lanka’s Tourism

This achievement is not just a win for ‘Cafe Chill’ but also for Sri Lanka’s tourism sector, which continues to recover and thrive after various challenges. Ella has become a must-visit destination for nature lovers, hikers, and those seeking to experience the rich culture and hospitality of Sri Lanka. Cafe Chill’s ranking among the world’s top restaurants will undoubtedly draw more attention to the country, boosting its profile on the global tourism map.

The recognition underscores the exceptional experiences that Sri Lanka has to offer, from breathtaking landscapes to world-class hospitality. As ‘Cafe Chill’ celebrates this incredible honour, it brings with it the promise of continued excellence and an unforgettable dining experience for all who visit Ella.

This ranking by TripAdvisor positions Ella and its iconic ‘Cafe Chill’ as a must-visit destination for travellers seeking an authentic yet casual dining experience. The global spotlight on this small town is sure to inspire more food lovers and adventurers to explore the beauty of Sri Lanka.

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