Tensions erupted at the Nugegoda headquarters of PickMe, one of Sri Lanka’s most popular ride-hailing apps, as a large group of drivers gathered to protest what they described as unfair treatment and exploitation. The drivers claim that PickMe, which connects over 100,000 registered drivers with passengers across the country, is operating without proper regulations and repeatedly taking advantage of its workforce.
According to the drivers, their attempts to raise these concerns with PickMe authorities were met with resistance. They allege that company representatives actively prevented them from presenting their grievances, prompting frustration and anger that culminated in a direct action at the company’s main office. Journalists at the scene reported that the drivers spoke to the media in front of the headquarters, outlining their concerns about working conditions, payment structures, and the lack of transparency in PickMe’s policies.
The protest highlights growing tensions between ride-hailing platforms and drivers in Sri Lanka, a conflict echoed in other countries where similar services operate with limited oversight. Drivers argue that despite providing essential services and generating significant revenue for the company, they face inconsistent pay, unpredictable job security, and minimal avenues for addressing disputes. Many emphasized that the company’s rapid growth has outpaced any formal regulation or standardized protections for its driver network.
PickMe has not publicly responded to the allegations at the time of the protest. However, company officials reportedly intervened to disperse the gathering at the headquarters, raising further questions about how disputes between management and drivers are being handled. The lack of formal regulation in the ride-hailing sector has left many drivers vulnerable to what they describe as arbitrary decisions by the platform, including changes in fare structures, commission rates, and penalties for drivers.
Industry analysts note that the protest could have wider implications for the ride-hailing ecosystem in Sri Lanka. With tens of thousands of drivers dependent on the platform for their livelihoods, disputes over pay and working conditions could disrupt services in key urban areas and fuel calls for government oversight. The incident also underscores the broader challenges of balancing rapid technological growth with labor rights in the gig economy.
Several drivers emphasized that their action was not intended to halt PickMe operations entirely but to demand fair treatment and accountability. They called for transparent policies regarding commissions, working hours, and dispute resolution mechanisms, arguing that without regulation, drivers are left at a disadvantage despite their essential role in the company’s success.
