FINANCIAL CHRONICLE – PickMe, a prominent ride-hailing service in Sri Lanka, has launched “Colombo Connect,” a new initiative aimed at merging the tourism, cultural, and commercial sectors of Colombo into a cohesive digital platform.
As part of this rebranding effort, the PickMe Explore platform will utilize the Lotus Tower as its inaugural digital entry point, enabling users to buy tickets and explore local attractions directly through the application.
The service offers a comprehensive solution where users can discover activities, access special offers, buy tickets, arrange transportation, and navigate the city, all from a single, reliable app, according to the company.
“Colombo has all the elements to become one of the most vibrant urban destinations in South Asia. What has been lacking is a unified platform to showcase these experiences,” remarked Jiffry Zulfer, the CEO of PickMe.
He emphasized that mobility is just the initial phase of a larger interaction, stating, “Mobility has never been the endpoint; it has always served as the beginning of the overall experience.”
The objective is to encourage tourists to extend their stay in Colombo, potentially resulting in an annual economic influx exceeding Rs. 30 billion.
Waruna Sri Dhanapala, the Secretary of the Ministry of Digital Economy, underscored the importance of this digital infrastructure in enhancing physical sites. “Digital infrastructure complements rather than replaces physical landmarks; it enhances their connectivity and value,” Dhanapala stated.
The initiative aims to create an inclusive economic environment by integrating everyone from top executives to street vendors into a collaborative economy, he added.
The launch event highlighted the first successful ticket purchase for the Lotus Tower through the app. While the project kicks off in Colombo, PickMe has plans to expand this model across Sri Lanka, linking travelers with attractions nationwide. (Colombo/August07/2026)
