Two three-wheeler drivers have been arrested on suspicion of extorting excessive fares from foreign tourists visiting Sri Lanka, the Tourist Police said.
The arrests followed investigations into two complaints lodged with the Tourist Police Division. The suspects allegedly demanded and received amounts far above the standard fare from two female tourists, one from Brazil and the other from Belgium.
Police said the drivers charged Rs. 10,000 and Rs. 30,000 respectively, after taking the tourists on sightseeing trips to several Colombo locations, including Gangaramaya Temple and Galle Face, under the guise of tours.
The suspects, aged 40 and 48 and residents of Wellampitiya and Imbulgoda, were handed over to the Kollupitiya and Kurunduwatta Police Stations for further investigation.
Further inquiries are ongoing under the supervision of Chief Inspector Chinthaka Deshapriya, OIC of the Tourist Police Division.
by Anton Fernando 