PickMe flood relief efforts are in full swing as Sri Lanka grapples with one of its worst floods in years. The ride-hailing giant has mobilized its digital network to coordinate donations, support rescue teams, and deliver essential aid across affected areas. Citizens are urged to contribute through in-app and physical channels.
Sri Lanka flood relief accelerated as PickMe deploys digital network nationwide
Sri Lanka faces a catastrophic flood crisis, leaving hundreds dead and thousands displaced. In response, PickMe, a leading local ride-hailing platform, has activated its full digital and logistical network to provide immediate relief. This unprecedented initiative demonstrates how digital platforms can play a critical role in national emergencies.
PickMe’s three-pronged approach focuses on mobilizing citizen donations, coordinating the delivery of essential items, and supporting rescue teams navigating submerged and blocked routes. CEO Jiffry Zulfer emphasized the urgency of the effort: “Our objective is simple—to help get our fellow citizens back on their feet with immediate focus on relief aids. Our drivers, our riders, and our users are all part of this emergency.”
Central to PickMe flood relief is the newly launched “AID” feature within the app. Citizens can request free doorstep pickups of relief packages by selecting the “AID” vehicle option under the Rides service. Donations including dry rations, medicines, sanitary items, and other essentials are collected directly from homes and dispatched to flood-affected zones.
In addition to app-based collections, PickMe has established a central aggregation hub at its headquarters on High Level Road, Colombo 6. This physical collection point complements the digital system, enabling donors who prefer in-person contributions to participate. “Many people want to help but cannot leave home due to weather or transport issues. So we wanted to bring the collection mechanism to them,” Zulfer explained.
Monetary contributions are facilitated through PickMe’s Events platform, previously used for ticketing and payments. These donations are channeled through vetted humanitarian organizations, including Round Table Sri Lanka, ensuring every cent reaches credible groups with experience in emergency relief. Although a public dashboard is not yet active, PickMe has committed to publishing total collections once the initiative concludes, promoting transparency and accountability.
PickMe’s on-ground driver network is also playing a crucial role. Many drivers, residing in affected districts, have been actively assisting in urgent transport and rescue operations from the outset of the crisis. “Road conditions are changing by the hour. Digital mapping is difficult because the situation is fluid, but we stay updated through our driver network,” Zulfer said. Routes from Kurunegala and parts of Kandy have begun clearing, allowing more effective movement of supplies.
This large-scale humanitarian response is the first of its kind by a Sri Lankan digital platform. It demonstrates the potential of shared-economy infrastructure to support disaster management. Zulfer highlighted the platform’s reach: “A disaster of this magnitude requires every digital capability the country has. The PickMe network touches every layer of society—riders, drivers, merchants, tourists.”
Members of the public are encouraged to participate in ongoing relief efforts. The “AID” feature in the PickMe app allows free collection of relief packs directly from homes, while physical donations can be delivered to the official collection hub at PickMe HQ. Financial contributions through the Events platform support Round Table Sri Lanka and other partner NGOs. Priority donations include dry rations, bottled water, sanitary products, baby essentials, medicines, blankets, and clean clothing.
By integrating technology, logistics, and community engagement, PickMe flood relief represents a modern, scalable model for emergency response. The initiative underscores the growing importance of digital platforms in crisis management and the collective responsibility of citizens to support one another during times of national hardship.