Tuesday May 05, 2026
Tuesday May 05, 2026
Tuesday, 5 May 2026 00:27 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Private taxi service providers at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) are facing tremendous financial constraints due to the low arrival of tourists and what they describe as unethical competition from other operators.
Operators pointed out that they have been operating at the airport for over two decades, providing services to both local and international passengers.
On top of this, they have to pay a hefty rental of over Rs. 4 million to the airport authority every month.
In addition to this, each of the six operators has to maintain around 12 vehicles and a staff of six at the airport counter. This totals around 250 staff, the operators pointed out.
“We are also made to understand that, in contrast, other operators that run on meters are carrying on their business, paying less than Rs. 100,000 per month, which creates a very uneven playing field between the two segments that provide the same service,” they said.
The operators also said that the airport authorities are charging around Rs. 2 million to put up advertising hoardings inside the airport, while meter operators are offered ad space for less than Rs. 200,000.
“Today, with almost zero business due to the Middle East crisis, high airfares, and the off-season, we are unable to make ends meet. Hence, we are requesting airport authorities for a temporary relief package until arrivals pick up and the situation becomes normal again. We have suggested a 50% reduction in rental for three months to the airport authorities. However, we have not received a positive response, and our proposal has been sidelined.
“If this request is not taken seriously and the authorities do not come out with a suitable solution, service providers may have to retrench staff, which will negatively impact their livelihoods.
“Since the Government is also looking at promoting high-end tourism, one of the first priorities for top clientele is luxury transport.
“In addition to domestic passengers, we have been supplying luxury vehicles to global celebrities, Indian film icons, visiting dignitaries, and even heads of State when they arrive in Sri Lanka.
“Hence, if private taxi service providers shut down their operations, servicing high-end clientele would become a major issue,” they said.
