Three‑wheeler drivers in Ella have raised objections to ride‑hailing taxis in the area, claiming the services severely affect their livelihoods, making an appeal to the Ella Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman to resolve the conflict.
Speaking to the media, they said ordinary three-wheeler drivers have obtained the relevant approval from the local council and operate from a designated car park in the area.
They said, however, ride‑hailing taxis arrive near the designated care park in luxury vehicles offering rides for less than that charged by the local three-wheelers, severely impacting their income.
“We are not against PickMe or Uber. But we are against them deceiving the public and affecting our livelihoods. When a local driver is at the car park from 09 am to 06 pm without a single hire, they take over all the hires. This is why an issue has arisen in the area. Not due to assaults or robberies, simply because our hires are being taken by them,” the three-wheeler drivers said.
They further said during a meeting with the Ella Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman today, they requested for their livelihoods to be protected and for the council to resolve the current conflict.
The three-wheeler drivers added that the Ella Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman has also promised a meeting with the Deputy Minister of Tourism next week. (Newswire)