Ella 'Locals Only' Taxi Row: Two Police Officers Transferred After Viral Video

Reports have emerged of local taxi drivers in the Ella tourist zone threatening and assaulting drivers from outside ride-hailing services like Pick Me and Uber. In response to these complaints, Ella Police launched a special investigation. Amidst this, a video circulated on social media showing two officers attached to the Ella Police Station instructing an outside driver not to operate taxi services in the area. Police have taken note of this video. Following a complaint received on December 19, 2025, regarding the incident in the video, the Bandarawela Senior Superintendent of Police ordered an investigation. As a result, the two police officers involved were immediately transferred to the Bandarawela Police Station. Furthermore, yesterday (21st), police received two more complaints within the Ella police division: one concerning an attempted assault on a taxi driver and damage to his vehicle, and another about the assault and robbery of money from a female taxi driver. Investigations into these complaints led to the arrest of three individuals by Ella Police: two suspects for the attempted assault and vehicle damage, and one suspect for the assault and robbery of the female driver. The three arrested suspects are scheduled to be presented before the Bandarawela Magistrate's Court today (22nd).