NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) has strengthened Unified Payments Interface (UPI) merchant acceptance in Sri Lanka to enable Indian tourists to make digital payments across the country. The move allows travellers to pay using UPI-enabled apps by scanning LankaQR codes, reducing reliance on cash.
The initiative aims to support Sri Lanka’s digital economy and improve cross-border payment experience for Indian visitors, who form the largest group of tourists to the country.
India remains the top source of tourists to Sri Lanka, with over 4,16,000 Indian visitors in 2024, rising to 5,31,000 in 2025.
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UPI, India’s real-time payment system, processes over 20 billion financial transactions every month and enables instant account-to-account transfers through mobile applications.
"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.
"For merchants, UPI provides access to a large, digitally savvy customer base, improves cash management, reduces dependence on physical currency and enhances operational efficiency," the release said.
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.
The initiative aims to support Sri Lanka’s digital economy and improve cross-border payment experience for Indian visitors, who form the largest group of tourists to the country.
UPI rollout gains ground
Under a partnership between NIPL and LankaPay, Indian travellers can use UPI for payments at multiple outlets across Sri Lanka. These include Cinnamon Hotels, Taj Hotels, Barista, Keells Supermarket and Odel.India remains the top source of tourists to Sri Lanka, with over 4,16,000 Indian visitors in 2024, rising to 5,31,000 in 2025.
(Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates)
UPI, India’s real-time payment system, processes over 20 billion financial transactions every month and enables instant account-to-account transfers through mobile applications.
Focus on seamless transactions
"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 and 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.
Benefits for travellers, merchants
"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," the release said.
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.
