A video circulating on social media has renewed attention on tensions between app-based taxi drivers and local taxi operators in Sri Lanka’s tourism zones, after a police officer, reportedly attached to the Unawatuna Tourist Police, was seen warning a PickMe driver that ride-hailing vehicles were not permitted to wait or park on public roads.
In the video, the officer states that such vehicles may only remain on private property, adding, “Don’t say another word or argue — this is the law. PickMe vehicles cannot be parked on roads. If you break the law, I’ll take you all to court.” The date of the incident remains unclear, and the Police have not issued a clarification as of press time.
The emergence of the footage comes amid rising disputes involving ride-hailing drivers and traditional taxi operators in high-tourism areas such as Ella, Sigiriya and Unawatuna, where clashes have been reported in recent months.
In a similar incident in Ella last month, Police arrested three suspects in connection with violent attacks targeting PickMe and Uber drivers operating in the tourism zone. The arrests followed complaints of threats, assault, and vehicle damage allegedly carried out by local taxi groups. Two police officers were also transferred pending an internal inquiry after a separate video appeared to show officers instructing ride-hailing drivers not to operate in the area.
