Sri Lanka Police have arrested three suspects in connection with a series of violent incidents targeting ride-hailing taxi drivers in the Ella tourism zone. The arrests follow growing concerns over the safety of drivers operating for services such as PickMe and Uber, who have reported repeated threats and physical assaults by local taxi operators.

The Police Media Division confirmed that two of the suspects were apprehended in relation to an incident on 21 December, where a group allegedly attempted to assault a driver and damaged a vehicle before fleeing the scene. A third individual was arrested following a separate report from a female driver who claimed she was assaulted and robbed while working in the area.

This police action follows an internal inquiry into the conduct of local law enforcement. On 19 december, authorities received a formal complaint regarding a video circulating on social media, which appeared to show police officers instructing ride-hailing drivers not to operate in Ella. Consequently, two officers were transferred to the Bandarawela Police Station pending further investigation.

The three suspects are scheduled to be produced before the Badulla Magistrate’s Court today, 22 December.