In a recent session of Parliament, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa sparked controversy by urging the government to reconsider its decision to allow PickMe and Uber taxis to operate at the Katunaike Airport.

Premadasa argued that this move would adversely affect the livelihoods of approximately 2,000 taxi drivers currently working at the airport.

Premadasa's concerns were rooted in the potential displacement of the existing taxi drivers who heavily rely on airport passengers for their income. However, his stance received mixed reactions, especially in light of the criticism that regular taxi drivers have faced for overcharging customers and providing subpar customer service.

The government's decision to introduce PickMe and Uber services at the airport was seen as a means to address these issues and provide travelers with reliable and transparent transportation options. While proponents of this move argued that it would promote fair pricing and improve overall customer satisfaction, Premadasa's remarks in support of the airport taxi drivers drew severe criticism on social media platforms.

Many social media users expressed frustration, pointing out the negative experiences they had encountered with regular airport taxis. They emphasized the need for change and modernization in the transportation sector to ensure a better travel experience for both domestic and international passengers.