Business
LankaPay partners with UnionPay, revolutionizing cross-border ATM acceptance in Sri Lanka
LankaPay – the national payment network of Sri Lanka recently announced their partnership with UnionPay International (UPI), the leading international payment network in the world, enabling cross border ATM connectivity. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in LankaPay’s global journey towards fostering cross border payments with a view to provide greater convenience to tourists who visit Sri Lanka.
With the rebound of tourism and international trade in Sri Lanka, seamless cross-border financial transactions have become a pressing need. Recognizing this demand, UnionPay International and LankaPay have joined forces to establish a comprehensive network that enables UnionPay cardholders to access ATMs across Sri Lanka, providing unparalleled convenience and accessibility.
Through this partnership, UnionPay cardholders visiting Sri Lanka can now enjoy hassle-free access to cash withdrawals at almost any ATM across Sri Lanka, that means UnionPay is about to have over 99% ATM coverage in Sri Lanka, eliminating the need for currency exchange and enhancing their overall travel experience. Moreover, this initiative contributes to the country’s goal of becoming a preferred destination for tourists and investors by offering world-class payment infrastructure and services.
Leveraging its cutting-edge technology and extensive network, UnionPay International ensures the security and reliability of transactions, safeguarding the interests of cardholders and merchants alike. This commitment to excellence aligns seamlessly with LankaPay’s mission to promote the adoption of digital payments and drive financial inclusion across Sri Lanka.
Commenting on the partnership, Hu Binghan, Head of UnionPay International South Asia said, “UnionPay is committed to enhancing payment products and services for our cardholders across the world. LankaPay is one of our most important partners in the area. The cooperation this time is one of our joint efforts to better serve our customers, marking another milestone in our deepening cooperation. It is expected to further encourage tourists, especially Chinese tourists to visit Sri Lanka. Chinese tourists have been a key driver of tourism growth in Sri Lanka in recent years, and the new service is likely to accelerate this trend.”
Channa de Silva, CEO of LankaPay (Pvt) Ltd, the operator of LankaPay, expressed his enthusiasm on this partnership, stating, “Our partnership with UnionPay International signifies a significant milestone in our global journey towards fostering cross boarder connectivity for financial transactions, enhancing customer convenience and accessibility to payment services in Sri Lanka. This partnership underscores our commitment to providing innovative payment solutions and driving financial inclusion. Together with UnionPay, we aim to empower consumers and businesses, spurring economic growth in Sri Lanka. By integrating UnionPay’s extensive network with LankaPay’s robust national infrastructure, we are poised to redefine cross-border payment experiences and propel Sri Lanka towards a digitally enabled economy.”
As UnionPay International and LankaPay continue to collaborate closely, they remain committed to driving innovation and advancing the digital payment landscape in Sri Lanka, ultimately enriching the lives of consumers and fostering economic growth nationwide.
The Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) proudly facilitated the first-ever Sri Lankan delegation’s participation at Drupa 2024, the world’s largest trade fair for the printing industry and technology. Held after an eight-year hiatus, Drupa 2024 was a landmark event, marking significant advancements and opportunities in the global printing industry.
AHK Sri Lanka played a pivotal role in organising and supporting the delegation, which comprised 17 members from the Sri Lanka Association for Printers (SLAP), representing eight companies from the commercial, newspaper, stationery printing, and packaging industries. This pioneering effort by AHK Sri Lanka not only showcased the diverse capabilities of Sri Lanka’s printing sector but also facilitated vital bilateral discussions with key stakeholders from the German printing industry.
Business
Unveiling Ayugiri: Browns Hotels & Resorts sets the stage for a new era in luxury Ayurveda Wellness
In a captivating reimagining of luxury wellness tourism, Browns Hotels & Resorts proudly unveiled the exquisite Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya. This momentous occasion, celebrated amidst a vibrant and serene grand opening on the 6th of June, heralds a new chapter in the Ayurveda wellness tourism landscape in Sri Lanka. Nestled amidst 54 acres of unspoiled natural splendour, Ayugiri features 22 exclusive suites and stands out as the only luxury Ayurveda wellness resort in the country offering plunge pools in every room, rendering it truly one-of-a-kind.
The grand opening of Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort was an enchanting event, where guests were captivated by the melodies of flutists and violinists resonating through Sigiriya’s lush landscapes. As traditional drummers and dancers infused the air with vibrant energy, Browns Hotels & Resorts’ CEO, Eksath Wijeratne, Kotaro Katsuki, Acting Ambassador for the Embassy of Japan and General Manager, Buwaneka Bandara, unveiled the resort’s new logo, marking a significant moment witnessed by distinguished guests from the French Embassy, Ayurveda and wellness enthusiasts along with officials from the Sigiriya area, LOLC Holdings and Browns Group.
“Our strategic expansion into wellness tourism with Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya symbolises a significant milestone for Browns Hotels & Resorts. Wellness tourism has consistently outperformed the overall tourism industry for over a decade, reflecting a growing global interest in travel that goes beyond leisure to offer rejuvenation and holistic well-being. By integrating the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda with modern luxury, we aim to set a new standard in luxury wellness tourism in Sri Lanka. Whether your goal is prevention, healing, or a deeper connection to inner harmony, Ayugiri offers a sanctuary for holistic well-being” stated Eksath Wijeratne.
Ayugiri encapsulates the essence of life, inspired by the lotus flower held by the graceful queens of the infamous Sigiriya frescoes. Just as the lotus emerges from the murky depths, untainted and serene,
Ayugiri invites guests on a journey of purity and rejuvenation, harmonised with a balance of mind, body and spirit, the essence of nature, echoes of culture and the wisdom of ancient Ayurvedic healing.
HNB General Insurance, one of Sri Lanka’s leading general insurance providers, has been honored as the Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024 by the prestigious Global Banking and Finance Review – UK.
The esteemed accolade underscores HNB General Insurance’s unwavering commitment to excellence and its outstanding performance in the field of bancassurance. Through dedication and hard work, the HNB General Insurance team has continuously endeavored to deliver innovative insurance solutions, cultivate strong relationships with banking partners, and provide unparalleled service to customers nationwide. This recognition is a testament to the team’s dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence in the bancassurance business.
“We are honored to receive this prestigious award, which reflects our team’s tireless efforts and dedication to delivering value-added insurance solutions and exceptional service through our bancassurance partnerships,” said Sithumina Jayasundara, CEO of HNB General Insurance. “This recognition reaffirms our position as a trusted insurance provider in Sri Lanka and motivates us to continue striving for excellence in serving our customers and communities.”
