Food delivery services to be regulated

9 June 2021 07:12 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 7 Bookmark

A A A

Steps are being taken to regulate food delivery services operating in Sri Lanka, including popular mobile app based services Uber and PickMe.

The move comes after concerns were raised over hidden costs associated with some of the items delivered to consumers.

Daily Mirror learns that a meeting had been held between Consumer Affairs State Minister Lasantha Alagiyawanna and food outlets, including hotels, to discuss concerns over added costs when their items are delivered.

It is understood that an additional cost of as much as 30% to 40% is added to the actual price of the items by some food delivery service providers.

When contacted by Daily Mirror, Alagiyawanna said that there was a need to protect the consumer from unfair pricing.

As a result, he said a discussion is now underway to regulate the food delivery services operating in Sri Lanka.

He asserted that while mobile app based services like Uber and PickMe provide a good service to the public, the interest of the consumer must be looked into. (Easwaran Rutnam)

Comments - 7

ram Wednesday, 09 June 2021 07:49 PM

VEry important action to be taken on uber/pickme ect. They Add an additional amout to the product and then charge additional amount as deliver cost. for an example, A pack of rice parcel cost only Rs.700/= but uber charge at Rs.910/ and add another Rs.95/- as delivery charges. CAA should intervene into this matter very urgently.

0 0

Janitha Jayewardene Wednesday, 09 June 2021 10:58 PM

Very true.

0 0

Jayaratne Wednesday, 09 June 2021 08:27 PM

Once Uber charged me twice for the same order. When I demanded a refund they kept stalling asking for bank statements etc. I think the responses were all automated. I never got my money back.

0 0

Tim Wednesday, 09 June 2021 09:11 PM

I never got my item delivered but was charged. And never got a refund either. Yet alone uber adds a margin to the actual selling price, which is illegal.

0 0

Jef Wednesday, 09 June 2021 09:19 PM

The issue with this people is bloody hungry for money.not only customers even the supplying sector get ripped off huge margin they take most of the money go oversees our retail restaurant sector suffer big time due to customer demand i am sure there should be a percentage given but not 30 to 40% if government can do something to protect the consumer and the local businesses it would creat more opportunity for business to operate given the difficult circumstances that we all suffering with covid

0 0

James Smith Wednesday, 09 June 2021 11:00 PM

Both Uber and PickMe charge a large percentage from the merchant. Their margins are really high

0 0

Shatheesh Wednesday, 09 June 2021 11:44 PM

Here not only the additional rupee. Who ever order food from these platforms are not Poor. The target groups order from these are above the line. Please consider about the spread because of these guys. Handling money (notes) from every corner and then deliver food. As declared earlier this is worse than CHOON PAN. If a CHOON PAN guy is infected we can atleaset define the area and/or the location. But when it comes to these fellow totally down. These fellows travel all over the city. This should be shut before the very bloody thing. Let’s think about it. It’s good that we got news now even.

0 0

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.