Latest news on Colombo public bus strikes and taxi scams
4 Answers from travellers
Yes, the strike was temporary but street touts at Pettah are still telling tourists the buses are not running as a scam. The buses are back to normal today. Just walk past the guys yelling at the entrance and ask the conductor inside the bus.
I got caught in this yesterday. Paid 2000 rupees for a tuktuk because they convinced me the south coast buses were all cancelled.
Always check the local news sites like Daily Mirror LK for actual strike updates, not the guys at the bus stand.
Scam Watch: colombo
Driver claims the meter is broken and quotes an inflated flat rate. Common on arrival at airport or railway stations when tourists are tired and disoriented.
Drivers wearing official-looking uniforms claim to be "government-approved" and charge 3-5x normal rates. They may have fake badges or ID cards.
Women with babies approach asking you to buy milk powder at a nearby shop (not cash). The shop is run by accomplices and charges 5-10x normal price.
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