The National Association of Three-Wheeler Drivers and Industrial Workers has strongly opposed the government’s new initiative to issue temporary driving permits to foreign tourists upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), warning it could severely impact the livelihoods of local drivers and compromise road safety.
The association’s General Secretary L. Rohana Perera, addressing the media said the move was not in the best interest of the local transport industry or public safety.
“The government has gone ahead and made arrangements to issue tourist driving licences as soon as they arrive at the airport. We informed the authorities earlier that this is not a good decision,” he said.
Perera expressed concern over tourists—many unfamiliar with Sri Lanka’s roads or traffic laws—being allowed to drive immediately after arrival, stating that past incidents have shown the risks involved.
“We’ve seen on social media how some tourists, especially young travellers, have ended up in serious accidents, injuring themselves and damaging rented vehicles. Rather than enjoying the country, they return home injured,” he added.
The association also questioned the practical benefits of the move for Sri Lanka’s tourism industry.
“If the goal is to strengthen tourism and increase foreign exchange earnings, we should be encouraging tourists to use local transport services. Instead, this decision is a blow to those who depend on tourism for their income—three-wheeler drivers, tour vehicle operators, and others in the sector.”
According to Perera, most tourists who use rental vehicles are from Western countries, while travellers from regional countries like India, Pakistan, or Bangladesh typically rely on local drivers.
He criticised the government for making the decision without consulting stakeholders in the local transport industry.
“This is not just about three-wheelers. Every driver who serves the tourism sector is affected. Their livelihoods are at stake. The government cannot ignore the voices of those who keep this service running.”
Perera also warned that the move could create inequality in the industry, benefiting a handful of vehicle rental businesses while sidelining thousands of drivers who rely on tourist hires.
He called on the government to immediately reconsider the decision and prioritise protecting local livelihoods.
“If this continues, the government will face public backlash. People did not elect this government to repeat the mistakes of the past. We urge the authorities to act responsibly and uphold fairness for all sectors,” he said.
