HelaGo, Sri Lanka’s newest locally-built ride booking platform, was officially launched at Waters Edge, Colombo, in the presence of over 200 HelaGo drivers. The launch marked the beginning of a new era in fair ride-hailing, introducing an innovative operating model built on fairness, transparency, and choice for both passengers and drivers.
HelaGo enters the mobility sector with the objective of creating a more open and balanced ride-booking ecosystem—one that reduces uncertainty for passengers while ensuring fair opportunities and clearer earnings for drivers. Unlike traditional ride-hailing systems where passengers receive a single system-generated fare, HelaGo introduces a unique approach where passengers can view multiple fare offers from nearby drivers and select the option that best fits their budget and preference. This allows commuters to make more informed decisions, especially during busy hours when price fluctuations and payment-related confusion have become common.
At the launch, HelaGo Founder & CEO Dhanika Perera highlighted its “Open & Fair” pricing framework, where fares are determined through clear driver–passenger agreement rather than centrally controlled pricing. This model is designed to strengthen trust and transparency in ride booking by reducing unexpected fare changes and enabling passengers to see and compare offers upfront. HelaGo also supports both cash and digital payments, allowing passengers to pay in the method they prefer—while minimizing confusion around payment preferences and improving overall ride convenience.
The launch comes shortly after HelaGo secured USD 1 million in seed funding through a partnership with the David Pieris Group, one of Sri Lanka’s most respected mobility conglomerates. The partnership strengthens HelaGo’s ability to expand across the country with operational support and an islandwide dealer network, while also accelerating passenger adoption in a structured manner. With both organisations being 100% Sri Lankan-owned, the collaboration reflects a growing shift towards homegrown innovation and national-scale digital solutions built for Sri Lankan realities.
HelaGo is now available on Android and iOS, giving users two easy ways to access the service. Existing Helakuru users can book rides directly through the Helakuru Superapp, enabling millions of Sri Lankans already using Helakuru to access HelaGo seamlessly within the ecosystem. For non-Helakuru users and tourists, a newly released standalone ride booking app called “Go by HelaGo” is now available on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, allowing anyone to download and book rides instantly without needing the Helakuru Superapp.
With the Western Province rollout beginning from January 6th and expansion planned nationwide, HelaGo aims to shape a new era of ride-hailing in Sri Lanka—where passengers and drivers both benefit from a fairer, more transparent, and more open way to travel.
