Uber marks 10 years in Sri Lanka: Moving People, Powering Livelihoods, Impacting Communities

Uber today marked ten 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. Over the past decade, ride-hailing has become one of the most transformative shifts in Sri Lanka’s urban mobility landscape, providing safe, reliable and affordable transport at scale.

Hon’ble Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Deputy Minister for Entrepreneurship, Ministry of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development, Government of Sri Lanka, graced the milestone event as the Chief Guest. U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung attended as the Guest of Honor, joined by Akanksha Singh, Head – South Asia Markets, Uber, and Kaushalya Gunaratne, Country Manager – Mobility, Uber Sri Lanka.

As per the 2024 Sri Lanka Economic Impact Report, compiled by global policy research firm - Public First, Uber and Uber Eats together generated over LKR 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, we’ve further intensified our service in the Western and Central provinces and expanded our 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.

Hon’ble Deputy Minister for Entrepreneurship, Ministry of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development, Government of Sri Lanka, Chathuranga Abeysinghe, said, “Over the past decade, Uber has become part of the fabric of daily life in Sri Lanka - not only by helping people get where they need to go, but by enabling thousands to earn an income with dignity and flexibility. At a time when the country is navigating both recovery and rebuilding, platforms like Uber play an important role in strengthening mobility, supporting tourism, and expanding economic opportunity. We welcome Uber’s continued commitment to Sri Lanka and its focus on empowering drivers and communities across the island.”

Akanksha Singh, Head - South Asia Markets, Uber, said: “As we celebrate ten years in Sri Lanka, we’re incredibly proud of the role Uber has played in transforming urban mobility and supporting economic opportunity across the island. This milestone is a testament to the trust placed in us by riders, driver partners, and local communities. Sri 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. We remain committed to investing in partnerships and people to serve Sri Lanka even better in the years to come.”

Recognizing drivers for their contribution
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 country’s mobility ecosystem over the last ten years.

Kaushalya Gunaratne, Country Manager - Mobility, Uber Sri Lanka, said: “Drivers are the backbone of Sri Lanka’s mobility network, and supporting their growth is central to Uber’s mission. Our 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. We are grateful to partner with a trusted name like HNB and hope to scale the program to cover more drivers.”

Kanchana Karunagama Senior Vice President / Head of Retail Banking,, HNB, added: ““We 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. At HNB, we believe financial inclusion begins with access to practical knowledge, and we’re dedicated to sharing learning that helps individuals save smarter, manage their money confidently, and build long-term security.”  

Supporting the community
As Sri Lanka recovers from the impact of Cyclone Ditwah, Uber has committed LKR 65 million to the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society to support relief and recovery for affected communities. This includes funding for dry rations, medicines and care packs, free Uber rides for Red Cross teams, and support through Uber Eats to source and deliver essential supplies. Uber has also partnered with the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) to run a public Donation Drive, enabling Sri Lankans to use the Uber app to send dry rations and essential items directly to the Town Hall collection point at no cost.

The latest efforts follow Uber’s continued partnership with Red Cross to support the community. During the economic crisis, Uber had donated LKR 60 million to help vulnerable communities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Uber donated 50,000 free rides for transporting frontline healthcare workers, elderly and citizens from vulnerable communities to vaccination hubs.

As Uber enters its next decade in Sri Lanka, the company remains committed to expanding mobility access, strengthening earning opportunities, and standing with the community in moments of need - continuing to move Sri Lanka forward, one trip at a time.