New Petrol Three-Wheelers Are Banned, Fares Are Frozen — So Who's Actually Helping Tuk Drivers?

Petrol 92 jumped another Rs 10 to Rs 424 a litre on November 1, pushing up daily running costs for every three-wheeler on the road. Despite that, the All Island Three-Wheeler Drivers' Association says fares won't go up this time — even though new petrol or diesel three-wheelers can no longer be imported at all; only electric or alternative-fuel models are allowed in now. Supporters of the import rule say it's overdue: fewer fumes, fewer worn-out two-stroke engines, and a long-term push toward EVs that cost less per km once you actually own one. Critics say the timing is unfair — fuel keeps rising, fares stay flat, and the only "upgrade" on offer is an EV most working drivers can't afford or get a lease for. If you drive or own a tuk, is freezing fares right now sustainable, or is it quietly pushing drivers into losses while they wait for an EV they can't yet afford? Owners of other vehicle types — would a similar petrol-to-EV import switch work for your segment, or are three-wheelers a special case? ඉන්ධන මිල ඉහළ ගියත් කුලිය ස්ථාවරයි, ඒත් අලුත් පෙට්‍රල් ත්‍රීවිලර් ආනයනය තහනම් — ඇත්තටම උදව් වෙන්නේ කාටද?