The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) will host a two‑day Digital Payments Promotional Programme in Jaffna on August 7 and 8, 2026, at Cargills Square from 8.30 am to 7.00 pm, aimed at raising awareness of digital payment methods among government officials, the business community, and the public.

This initiative is part of CBSL’s nationwide campaign under the theme “Shaping the future through digital payments”, conducted in collaboration with financial institutions and stakeholders. 

Similar events have already been held in Hambantota, Nuwara Eliya, Dambulla, Kurunegala, and Trincomalee, successfully creating awareness and enabling businesses and the public to experience the convenience of digital transactions.

The inaugural session in Jaffna will be graced by Northern Province Governor Nagalingam Vethanayahan as Chief Guest, alongside senior CBSL officials, District Secretary M. Piiratheepan, representatives of banks, non‑bank financial institutions, and LankaPay (Pvt.) Ltd. (LPPL), the operator of the national retail payment system.

At the Jaffna programme, participants will receive personalised assistance from banks, finance companies, and e‑money service providers to register and effectively use a wide range of digital payment services. In addition, financial institutions together with LPPL will carry out a merchant engagement initiative in Jaffna town, enabling business entities to adopt the LANKAQR payment acceptance facility.

CBSL has invited members of the public and the business community in Jaffna to take advantage of this opportunity to enhance their knowledge and experience the benefits of digital payments, supported by the guidance and personalised assistance of financial institutions. (Newswire)

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Seylan Bank, in collaboration with Google and Mastercard, has launched Google Pay for its Mastercard debit and credit cardholders, marking another milestone in Sri Lanka’s shift towards cashless, mobile‑first payments.

With this launch, Seylan Bank customers can add their Mastercard cards to Google wallet and make fast, secure, and contactless Tap & Go payments through their NFC‑enabled Android smartphones. Payments can be made both locally and internationally at all Mastercard acceptance locations, eliminating the need to carry a physical card.

The introduction of Google Pay underscores Seylan Bank’s commitment to advancing secure digital payments and enhancing everyday convenience for customers through globally accepted payment solutions.

Google Pay leverages advanced tokenisation technology to protect every transaction. Instead of card details, transactions are completed using unique digital tokens, ensuring sensitive information is never exposed to merchants or stored on external devices. Further, each transaction is securely authenticated through a one‑time password or bank verification, delivering a seamless payment experience that combines global security standards with ease of use. The solution supports a wide range of use cases, including retail purchases, dining, commuting, and online payments.

This launch builds on the momentum of Google Pay’s expansion in Sri Lanka and reinforces Seylan Bank’s role in widening access to trusted digital payment solutions. Mastercard continues to collaborate with leading financial institutions and technology partners to accelerate digital adoption and enable innovative payment experiences across the country.

Ruchith Liyanage, Head of Cards at Seylan Bank, said, “At Seylan Bank, we remain focused on enhancing our digital offerings to meet evolving customer expectations. The introduction of Google Pay for our Mastercard cardholders reinforces our commitment to convenience, security, and innovation in everyday banking.”

Mahesha Amarasuriya, Country Manager, Sri Lanka, Mastercard said, “This collaboration reinforces Mastercard’s commitment to advancing secure, innovative, and convenient payment solutions in Sri Lanka. By enabling Google Pay, we are empowering Seylan Bank customers with a seamless, globally trusted digital payment experience that fits naturally into their everyday lives.”

Mastercard (NYSE: MA),www.mastercard.com

Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we’re building a sustainable economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.

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Continuing its Digital Payments Promotion Campaign of 2025, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has organized a promotional event in Dambulla with the participation of the CBSL Governor, Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, and other senior officials. 

According to a Central Bank statement, the promotional event will be held on 01 and 02 August from 9.30 am to 7.00 pm at the Dambulla Dedicated Economic Centre.

CBSL launched its nationwide campaign under the theme ‘Shaping the future through digital payments’, considering the important role played by digital payments in enabling financial inclusion, leading to economic development. 

The campaign intends to empower Sri Lankans with knowledge and experience of making digital payments, which is a safer, more convenient, and efficient alternative to cash. 

As part of its campaign, CBSL successfully conducted two events in Hambantota and Nuwara Eliya districts earlier this year, in collaboration with financial institutions and other stakeholders. 

Banks, finance companies, e-money service providers (i.e., mobile network operators) and LankaPay (Pvt.) Ltd. (LankaPay) – the operator of the national retail payment network, will also attend the event in Dambulla. 

The general public will be able to obtain assistance for opening new accounts, registering for mobile payment applications, receiving information on products and services, resolving any issues faced when making digital payments and any other matter related to digital payments. The general public will also be able to purchase a range of goods and services from various micro, small, and medium-sized businesses present at the event and receive exclusive discounts when using digital payment methods. 

In addition, individuals and business entities will be able to receive information on the services provided by the Credit Information Bureau of Sri Lanka (CRIB) and obtain free credit reports on demand during this event. 

Further, a special merchant awareness campaign will be conducted by financial institutions and LankaPay from 29th to 31st July 2025 in the Sigiriya, Habarana and Dambulla areas respectively, to facilitate business entities to obtain the LANKAQR payment acceptance facility. 

CBSL invites the general public and business entities to make use of this opportunity to enhance their knowledge on digital payments and experience the convenience of making digital payments, with guidance and personalised assistance from financial institutions. (Newswire)

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