Avoiding tuktuk scams and street vendors near Pettah Colombo

Yes, this is a well-known scam zone. The drivers parked directly outside the bus stand exits operate as a mafia and refuse the meter to extort tourists with heavy bags. Do not argue with them. Walk 100 meters down the road, past the street vendors selling fruit, and flag a passing tuktuk with a red metered sign, or just use the PickMe app.