## 📈 Tensions Escalate: Traditional Tuk-Tuks vs. Ride-Hailing Apps

The ongoing tourist season has intensified the conflict between conventional three-wheel drivers and ride-hailing platforms like Uber and PickMe, highlighting a significant shift in Sri Lanka's transportation and tourism landscape. • Core Conflict: Widespread smartphone adoption has surged demand for app-based hires, severely impacting the livelihoods of traditional drivers. Tensions have escalated to public confrontations and harassment of app-based riders. • Competitive Advantages: Ride-hailing services offer transparent, predictable pricing, GPS tracking, and safety features. In hotspots like Sigiriya, app-based fares (Rs. 270) are significantly lower than conventional rates (Rs. 800)—a ~66% price difference. • Sector Impact: • Tourism: Global advisories now recommend apps over traditional taxis to avoid exploitation. • Employment: The rise of two-wheel (motorbike) rides has provided new income streams but further diluted the earnings of the three-wheel sector. • Governance: While traditional drivers represent a key political vote base, any restriction on apps faces massive public backlash due to their safety and cost-efficiency. • Outlook: The situation requires decisive police intervention to prevent intimidation. The shift reflects a broader economic transition toward digital accountability and consumer-centric models in the service economy.