Three-wheeler drivers in Weligama have accused drivers providing transport services through mobile applications such as PickMe and Uber of unfair practices and intimidation, warning of a large-scale protest if the government fails to intervene.

The drivers allege that app-based drivers arrive at their three-wheeler stands and forcibly offer transport services to foreign tourists, claiming links to the underworld to intimidate others. They say this practice has been strongly opposed by all three-wheeler drivers in the area.

According to the Weligama drivers, app-based services transport foreign tourists at very low fares, providing no tangible benefit to the country or inflow of foreign currency. They argue that low-cost transport enables tourists to leave Sri Lanka with most of their dollars unspent, which they claim undermines efforts to develop the local economy.

They further contend that if Sri Lanka is to develop, such mobile applications should be removed. As an alternative, the drivers propose that the government take over the PickMe platform and introduce a new, state-run taxi service.

Warning of escalating action, the three-wheeler owners said they are preparing to launch a massive protest if the government does not provide a solution.

Explaining their grievances, one driver said that when an issue arises involving a PickMe vehicle, several app-based vehicles arrive together to assert their influence, claiming they face no problems from the government because they are registered. He questioned whether other vehicles operating at the stand were unregistered, noting that many local drivers wait from early morning until midday without a single hire because app-based drivers take customers from the area.

He added that a system which does not contribute to development serves no purpose, reiterating the call for the government to take over the platform and introduce a government-operated taxi service for local drivers.