Uber says supported SL with Rs. 160 b economic activity in 2024

•  Uber and Uber Eats generated Rs. 338 b in consumer surplus
• Drivers and delivery partners earned 24% more than their next best alternative
• Contributed Rs. 3.6 b in additional value for local restaurants and merchants

Uber said yesterday it has supported Sri Lanka with Rs. 160 billion worth of economic activity in 2024.

The contribution is as per the findings from its 2024 Sri Lanka Economic Impact Report, compiled by global policy research firm Public First. The report highlights how Uber and Uber Eats together contributed Rs. 160 billion in economic activity last year—underscoring their growing role in delivering flexible earning opportunities, expanding access to safer, affordable transportation, and helping local businesses reach more customers.

Uber has transformed the way people travel and order food, groceries, and more over the last few years. By making transportation and delivery services safer and accessible, the company has helped generate economic growth at a time when Sri Lanka has been emerging from financial uncertainty.

Key findings from the report

Supporting a wider economic footprint

The convenience of services offered by Uber not only benefits riders and eaters directly, but also creates a multiplier effect across the broader economy.

• Consumer surplus: Last year, rides with Uber and Uber Eats generated Rs. 338 billion in consumer surplus for users in Sri Lanka.
• Tourism support: Uber contributed Rs. 16 billion in additional value for Sri Lanka’s tourism industry in the survey year.
• Spillover impact: Sri Lankan drivers and delivery partners paid over Rs. 660 million to local businesses to maintain their vehicles over a year.

Since entering the market in 2015, Uber has enabled drivers and delivery partners to boost their income and provided a crucial financial buffer for families during challenging times. 

• Higher earnings: In 2024, drivers and delivery-partners earned 24% more in higher income through Uber than they would have via their next best alternative.
• Family support: 7 in 10 drivers and delivery partners said that operating on the Uber app helped their families navigate the economic crisis. 
• Greater stability: 60% reported that the platform gave them a sense of stability they wouldn’t have had otherwise. 

Transforming travel 

Uber provides safer, reliable, and affordable transport options at multiple price points, helping users save time while navigating congested cities.

• Productivity gains: Uber saved riders over 1.2 million hours in 2024 – translating to increased workspace productivity and time with loved ones.
• Essential travel: 79% of riders had used Uber to commute to work, and 65% said they used the app during emergencies.
• Budget-friendly options: 67% of riders said that having multiple choices on the Uber app helped them book trips within their budget – with Moto and Tuk services proving especially popular.

Connecting customers to local businesses

With a doorstep promise at the tap of a button, Uber and Uber Eats are deepening connections between people and their neighbourhoods. 

• Small business growth: Uber Eats contributed Rs. 3.6 billion in additional value to restaurants and merchants across Sri Lanka.
• Supporting local restaurants: 89% of users said they had ordered from small or family-run restaurants through the app, showing its impact on boosting local reach.
• Ordering made easier: 84% of users ordered food they wouldn’t normally cook at home, while 81% said they found groceries and items that matched their household budget.

Safety and improving access 

• Reliable access to safe transportation is essential—especially for those travelling alone or late at night. Uber’s investment in safety features continues to make a difference.
• Safer rides: 83% of users said safety was a very important reason for choosing Uber, while 80% said Uber was the safest way to get home at night.
• Safety tools: Features like GPS tracking and ‘Share Your Trip’ continue to gain popularity among users, reinforcing Uber’s commitment to tech-enabled safety.
• Road safety impact: 71% of users agree that Uber and similar platforms have helped reduce impaired driving due to alcohol in their communities.

Uber Sri Lanka Country Manager – Mobility Kaushalya Gunaratne said: “This report reaffirms our long-term commitment to Sri Lanka. Uber is proud to help thousands of earners access flexible work, enable safer and reliable transport for millions, and support local businesses at scale. We look forward to continuing to serve the country’s evolving mobility and delivery needs.”

Uber Sri Lanka Country Manager – Delivery Varun Wijewardane said: “Whether it is delivering to your doorstep or connecting merchants with new customers, Uber Eats plays a vital role in connecting communities. We are proud of the impact we have made—especially for small, family-run businesses navigating a tough economic landscape.”

As Sri Lanka works towards economic recovery and digital transformation, Uber remains committed to serving communities across the country by creating opportunity through movement and delivering impact at scale.