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UPI Goes Global: Indian Tourists Can Now Pay via UPI in Sri Lanka

NPCI International is expanding UPI acceptance in Sri Lanka by integrating with the local LankaQR infrastructure. This allows Indian tourists to make payments seamlessly using their UPI apps at major establishments across the island nation. The initiative aims to reduce cash dependency for travelers and help Sri Lankan merchants tap into a large digital customer base. The expansion is part of efforts to strengthen economic ties and simplify cross-border transactions between the two countries.

Key Points: UPI Payments Live in Sri Lanka for Indian Tourists via LankaQR

  • UPI integrates with Sri Lanka's LankaQR
  • Aims to improve tourist payment experience
  • Supports Sri Lanka's digital economy growth
  • Over 5.31 lakh Indian tourists visited in 2025
2 min read

NPCI expands its UPI acceptance in Sri Lanka to boost economy, tourists' experience

Indian tourists can now make UPI payments in Sri Lanka by scanning LankaQR codes, boosting convenience and supporting the island's digital economy.

"Through collaboration between NIPL and LankaPay, Indian tourists can now make digital payments across Sri Lanka by scanning LankaQR codes using UPI-enabled apps, reducing dependence on cash. - NPCI"

New Delhi, March 17

NPCI International Payments Limited -- the international arm of the National Payments Corporation of India -- on Tuesday said it is strengthening the acceptance of Unified Payments Interface across Sri Lanka to enable a seamless payment experience for Indian tourists and support the island nation's digital economy.

With more than 700 million QR touchpoints in India, the platform's interoperable architecture enables integration with global systems, including Sri Lanka's LankaPay-powered LankaQR infrastructure.

India remains Sri Lanka's largest source market for the tourism sector. Over 4.16 lakh Indian tourists visited the country in 2024, which rose to 5.31 lakh in 2025. The steady growth has increased demand for convenient and reliable payment solutions for Indian travellers visiting the island for leisure, shopping, weddings and spiritual tourism.

"Through collaboration between NIPL and LankaPay, Indian tourists can now make digital payments across Sri Lanka by scanning LankaQR codes using UPI-enabled apps, reducing dependence on cash," NPCI said.

The service is available at major establishments, including hospitality chains, retail outlets and supermarkets.

To scale acceptance, NIPL has been working with key stakeholders such as the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, acquiring banks and merchants, aligning with Sri Lanka's domestic payments framework.

According to NPCI, the initiative is expected to benefit both travellers and merchants. While tourists gain access to real-time payments, transparent exchange rates and a familiar payment interface, Sri Lankan businesses can tap into a large digital customer base, improve cash management and reduce reliance on physical currency.

Ritesh Shukla, MD and CEO of NPCI International, said the company is focused on building interoperable payment corridors to simplify cross-border transactions and strengthen economic ties.

"As UPI adoption expands, we aim to enhance payment acceptance across key sectors such as hospitality, retail and tourism, creating value for businesses and improving the overall travel experience," he said.

Recognised by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as the world's largest real-time payment system, accounting for nearly 50 per cent of global instant payments, the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is expected to improve cross-border trade and economic engagement between India and Sri Lanka.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Great step for digital diplomacy. UPI going global shows the strength of our fintech. Hope they expand to more countries like Nepal, Bhutan, and Mauritius soon. Our digital infrastructure is becoming a soft power tool.
A
Aman W
While this is positive, I hope the focus is also on making it seamless for the common tourist. Sometimes these integrations have technical glitches. NPCI must ensure robust support so people don't get stranded without cash options.
S
Sarah B
As someone who travels frequently, transparent exchange rates are a huge relief. No more hidden fees from currency exchange counters! This will definitely encourage more Indians to visit Sri Lanka.
V
Vikram M
Bahut badhiya! This is true neighborhood first policy in action. Supporting Sri Lanka's digital economy while making life easier for Indian tourists. Next, we should work on integrating UPI for students going there for education.
K
Karthik V
The numbers speak for themselves - over 5 lakh Indian tourists. This move will directly boost spending. Local merchants accepting UPI will see more business from our community, especially for weddings and spiritual trips.

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