Four three-wheeler associations pledge support to Ranil

4 September 2024 03:31 pm Views - 2246

Three-wheeler associations today announced their support for independent candidate Ranil Wickremesinghe at the upcoming Presidential election.

Accordingly, 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 past, 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.