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UPI Expands in Sri Lanka for Indian Tourists via NPCI-LankaPay Deal

NPCI International has strengthened UPI merchant acceptance in Sri Lanka through a partnership with LankaPay, aiming to enhance the payment experience for Indian tourists. Indian visitors can now make real-time payments by scanning LankaQR codes at various establishments, reducing reliance on cash. The initiative supports Sri Lanka's digital economy and strengthens economic and cultural ties between the two nations. NPCI International plans to continue expanding UPI acceptance across Sri Lanka's hospitality, retail, and tourism sectors.

Key Points: UPI Payments for Indian Tourists in Sri Lanka Boosted

  • Boost UPI acceptance for Indian tourists
  • Strengthen India-Sri Lanka economic ties
  • Enable payments via LankaQR scan
  • Reduce need for physical cash
  • Enhance convenience and security
2 min read

UPI in Sri Lanka: NPCI International steps up efforts to boost payments for Indian tourists

NPCI International partners with LankaPay to expand UPI merchant acceptance in Sri Lanka, simplifying payments for Indian tourists and boosting digital commerce.

"Our engagement in Sri Lanka reflects a shared vision to enhance digital payment acceptance, simplify travel and commerce for millions of people - Ritesh Shukla"

Mumbai, March 17

NPCI International Payments Limited has strengthened Unified Payments Interface merchant acceptance in Sri Lanka to enhance cross-border payment experiences for Indian tourists.

The initiative is aimed at supporting Sri Lanka's growing digital economy while reinforcing economic and cultural ties between India and Sri Lanka.

"NPCI International is committed to building trusted, interoperable payment corridors that bring countries closer through technology. Our engagement in Sri Lanka reflects a shared vision to enhance digital payment acceptance, simplify travel and commerce for millions of people, and create value for local businesses and the wider economy," said Ritesh Shukla, MD & CEO, NPCI International.

"Through our partnership with LankaPay, we are advancing seamless, secure, and real-time transactions that strengthens the economic partnership between India and Sri Lanka," he added.

UPI, India's real-time payment system, enables instant account-to-account transactions via mobile applications and processes over 20 billion financial transactions monthly.

India continues to be the leading source of tourists to Sri Lanka, with over 4,16,000 Indian visitors in 2024, rising to 5,31,000 in 2025.

Under the collaboration between NPCI International and LankaPay, Indian tourists can make payments across Sri Lanka by scanning LankaQR codes using UPI-enabled apps, reducing the need for physical cash.

UPI payments are already enabled at several establishments including Cinnamon Hotels, Taj Hotels, Barista, Keells Supermarket and Odel.

Highlighting the benefits, the release stated, "For travellers, UPI offers the convenience of real-time payments, transparent exchange rates, and a familiar, secure payment experience."

"For merchants, UPI provides access to a large, digitally savvy customer base, improves cash management, reduces dependence on physical currency and enhances operational efficiency," it added.

NIPL said it will continue working with Sri Lankan regulators, banks and merchants to expand UPI acceptance across sectors such as hospitality, retail and tourism.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Great step for digital diplomacy. It strengthens our ties with a neighbor and showcases Indian tech prowess. Hope they expand to more small shops and local markets soon.
A
Aman W
While this is convenient, I hope the focus is also on making UPI more robust at home. Sometimes transactions fail during peak hours. Let's perfect our system before exporting it.
S
Sarah B
As a frequent traveler, this is a game-changer. Transparent exchange rates and no need to carry wads of cash is a huge relief. Well done, NPCI!
V
Vikram M
Over 5 lakh Indian tourists... that's a massive market. This move makes perfect economic sense for both countries. Win-win for local Sri Lankan businesses and our tourists.
K
Karthik V
UPI going global! First UAE, now Sri Lanka. Proud moment for Indian fintech. Next stop: Southeast Asia and maybe even Europe? The potential is huge.

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