HelaGo, Sri Lanka’s emerging ride-hailing platform, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Sri Lanka Social Security Board to introduce a government-backed pension scheme for taxi drivers, marking a significant step toward improving the long-term financial security of gig economy workers in the country.

The initiative seeks to address a long-standing structural gap faced by taxi drivers, who, despite earning a livelihood during their active working years, have historically lacked access to formal retirement benefits such as pensions, EPF, or ETF, leaving their financial future uncertain. By introducing a structured and accessible pension mechanism, the partnership aims to bring greater stability and dignity to drivers operating within Sri Lanka’s rapidly growing digital mobility sector.

Under the proposed scheme, HelaGo will act as a technical facilitator, integrating pension contributions seamlessly into its platform. Drivers will be able to voluntarily opt into the scheme and allocate a portion of their ride earnings toward their retirement, with contributions securely deducted and transferred directly to the Sri Lanka Social Security Board. As the authorized government body, the Board will oversee fund management and ensure the provision of pension benefits once drivers reach the eligible retirement age of 60 years and above.

Designed as a fully voluntary and flexible program, the scheme allows drivers to participate based on their individual financial capacity, ensuring inclusivity while encouraging long-term financial planning. The model combines the efficiency of digital platforms with the institutional reliability of a government-backed system, creating a sustainable framework tailored to the needs of independent workers.

This collaboration reflects HelaGo’s broader commitment to building a fair, transparent, and sustainable mobility ecosystem in Sri Lanka. From its inception, the platform has focused on addressing both passenger and driver challenges, and this initiative further reinforces its role as a responsible industry player that prioritizes the long-term welfare of its driver community.

The partnership also represents a forward-looking alignment between the private sector and public institutions, contributing to the evolution of social protection mechanisms within Sri Lanka’s gig economy. By enabling access to structured retirement benefits, the initiative sets a new benchmark for how technology-driven platforms can support inclusive economic growth.

HelaGo stated that the necessary technical integrations are currently underway, and detailed information regarding enrollment and participation will be communicated to drivers in the near future.

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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.

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