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 long-standing commitment to education and community empowerment, Seylan Bank PLC has opened its 291st ‘Pahasara’ Library at A/Buddhangala Central College, marking another milestone in the Bank’s flagship Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) initiative.

The opening ceremony, held on 27 March 2026, brought together education officials, banking representatives, teachers, parents and students in a celebration centred on learning, opportunity and youth empowerment.

The newly refurbished library was officially handed over following the successful completion of ‘Pahasara Week’, a student-focused engagement programme jointly organised by Seylan Bank and the school. As part of the initiative, the Bank also donated books, a laptop and a smart board to enhance access to modern learning and digital education resources.

The event was attended by Ruwan Maithripala, T.P. Jayasinghe, Kapila S. Kumara, Jananda Rathnayake, and Neel Nishantha.

Held between 24 and 26 March, ‘Pahasara Week’ featured a series of activities aimed at nurturing the athletic, creative and intellectual talents of students. The programme included a school cricket tournament, an interactive Tikiri Pola, a financial literacy workshop for students in Grades 10 and 11, and an art competition encouraging creativity and self-expression.

The financial literacy sessions formed a key part of the initiative, reflecting Seylan Bank’s broader vision of equipping young Sri Lankans with essential life skills and practical financial knowledge from an early age.

Commenting on the milestone, Asiri Abhayaratne said the opening of the 291st library marks another important step in the Bank’s journey towards establishing 300 ‘Pahasara’ Libraries islandwide.

“Seylan Bank remains committed to supporting education by refurbishing libraries and providing essential educational resources that help cultivate knowledge, creativity and financial literacy among students,” he said.

Launched on 1 March 2013, the ‘Pahasara’ Library Project has grown into one of Sri Lanka’s most impactful long-term educational sustainability initiatives, focusing on improving access to learning resources and strengthening school library infrastructure across the country.

As Seylan Bank approaches the landmark opening of its 300th ‘Pahasara’ Library, the initiative continues to play a vital role in empowering future generations, particularly in rural communities, while reinforcing the Bank’s commitment to building knowledge-driven and financially aware societies across Sri Lanka.

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