Representatives from four major three-wheeler associations have announced their fullest support for independent candidate Ranil Wickremesinghe in the upcoming presidential election.
The associations—The All Ceylon Three-Wheeler Drivers’ Union (ACTWDU), the Union of National Taxi App Drivers, the United Passenger Transport Service Professionals Association,and the Western Provincial Three-Wheeler Drivers and Owners Cooperative Society—are united in their endorsement of the President.
Around a thousand representatives from these associations gathered at Galle Face Green in Colombo today (04), where President Ranil Wickremesinghe joined them for a friendly meeting at their request.
The three-wheeler drivers expressed their gratitude to President Ranil Wickremesinghe for resolving an issue that had gone unaddressed for 25 years under four executive presidents—the regulation of the three-wheeler industry—within just 24 hours. They recalled how, during the last season, they were unable to work and had to stand in fuel queues for days, and acknowledged that it was President Wickremesinghe who rescued them from that situation,vowing never to face such circumstances again. During the event, President Ranil Wickremesinghe announced that the government will introduce a contributory pension scheme and social security for three-wheeler drivers starting in 2025. He also mentioned that state and private banks will offer the opportunity to restructure debt repayments for three-wheeler drivers struggling due to the economic crisis.
President Ranil wickremesinghe further explained;
When introducing three-wheelers to Sri Lanka, Late President J.R. Jayewardene showed a keen interest, and today, the success has surpassed expectations, with tens of thousands now owning three-wheelers. As a result, it is essential to organize the three-wheeler industry within a proper framework.
We have already addressed the regulatory issues that the industry was facing. Additionally,we’ve worked on introducing a pension scheme for three-wheeler drivers, which has received Cabinet approval.
We also plan to address the challenges the industry faced due to COVID-19 and the economic crisis, providing relief through the two state banks and discussing similar measures with private banks.
A more structured organization is necessary for the three-wheeler industry. We intend to form committees in each province, including representatives from these associations, the police,and provincial councils, to implement new development measures. Looking ahead, electric three-wheelers will be needed not only to reduce fuel dependency, and we should focus on these initiatives as we move forward.
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