- Moves people, powers livelihoods, impacts communities
Uber marked 10 years of operations in Sri Lanka, a decade in which the platform has reshaped how people commute and how thousands of Sri Lankans earn a livelihood.
Industries and Entrepreneurship Development Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe graced the milestone event as the chief guest. U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung attended as the guest of honor, joined by Uber Head South Asia Markets Akanksha Singh and Uber Sri Lanka Country Manager Mobility Kaushalya Gunaratne.
As per the 2024 Sri Lanka Economic Impact Report, compiled by global policy research firm Public First, Uber and Uber Eats together generated over Rs.160 billion in economic activity in Sri Lanka within a single year. Since its entry in Sri Lanka in 2015, Uber rides have covered over 1.15 billion kilometers – equivalent to nearly 3000 trips from Earth to the moon.
Over 320,000 Sri Lankans have earned through the platform as drivers. Uber has also supported the tourism ecosystem, enabling more than 700,000 airport trips, connecting visitors seamlessly to their destinations.
Over the last year, Uber has further intensified its service in the Western and Central provinces and expanded its offerings in the Southern and Northern provinces – bringing its services closer to more communities across the country. Uber has emerged as one of the most preferred ride-hailing platforms across the island, offering affordable, reliable, and safer rides at different price points. Abeysinghe said, βWe welcome Uberβs continued commitment to Sri Lanka and its focus on empowering drivers and communities across the island.β
Singh said, βSri Lanka is a key part of our growth story and our focus for the next decade is on deepening our presence, expanding access to affordable and reliable transportation and continuing to be a platform of choice for earning opportunities.β
To mark this milestone, Uber announced a free financial literacy programme for Sri Lankan drivers in partnership with Hatton National Bank (HNB), with an initial pilot covering 1000 drivers. The programme will equip earners with essential skills in personal financial budgeting and management, providing an understanding of options available for investment and saving, helping them build greater stability and confidence.
Uber recognised 10 outstanding drivers for their professionalism, consistency and contributions to keeping Sri Lanka moving – celebrating longest-serving and most engaged drivers who have shaped the countryβs mobility ecosystem over the last 10 years.
Gunaratne said, βOur financial literacy initiative and the recognition of outstanding partners reflect our commitment to ensuring drivers are equipped for long-term success and a step closer to meeting their life goals.β
HNB Senior Vice President/Head of Retail Banking Kanchana Karunagama added, βWe congratulate Uber on completing 10 years in Sri Lanka and are pleased to partner with them to help drivers strengthen the financial skills needed to plan for the future.β
Source: Daily Mirrror