A recent BBC Travel feature highlighted how a homegrown Sri Lankan start-up TukTuk Rental is reshaping the island’s tourism landscape and creating new income streams for local families.The company allows international travellers to hire and legally drive tuk-tuks across Sri Lanka, offering a slower and more immersive alternative to traditional tourism.
Since its launch in 2016, the Katunayake based social enterprise has worked with over 750 local tuk-tuk drivers, helping them to collectively earn around Rs. 300 million.
Founded by Australian Thomas Cornish and his partners, TukTuk Rental grew despite major setbacks including the Easter Sunday attacks and COVID-19 pandemic.
Tourists are offered driving lessons and local licenses, and the vehicles come with insurance and support services. Travellers from countries such as Canada and the UK have praised the experience for offering them a deeper connection to the country.
As the BBC notes, the company’s success lies in its ability to blend adventure, community benefits and authentic cultural exchanges.
The company allows international travellers to hire and legally drive tuk-tuks across Sri Lanka, offering a slower and more immersive alternative to traditional tourism.
Since its launch in 2016, the Katunayake based social enterprise has worked with over 750 local tuk-tuk drivers, helping them to collectively earn around Rs. 300 million.
Founded by Australian Thomas Cornish and his partners, TukTuk Rental grew despite major setbacks including the Easter Sunday attacks and COVID-19 pandemic.
Tourists are offered driving lessons and local licenses, and the vehicles come with insurance and support services. Travellers from countries such as Canada and the UK have praised the experience for offering them a deeper connection to the country.
As the BBC notes, the company’s success lies in its ability to blend adventure, community benefits and authentic cultural exchanges.
