Sri Lanka (Commonwealth Union)_ In a significant development for Sri Lanka’s tourism and digital economy, Ant International’s cross-border mobile payment solution Alipay+ was officially launched in the country. This move comes through a strategic partnership with LankaPay, Sri Lanka’s national payment network, providing a much-needed boost to both leisure and business tourism. Alipay+, a product of Ant International, is a leading cross-border mobile payment and digitalisation solution, now enabling seamless mobile payments for over 1.7 billion users worldwide. The collaboration with LankaPay will allow tourists and business travellers to use 14 international e-wallets connected to Alipay+ at over 400,000 merchants across Sri Lanka. This launch will particularly enhance the payment experience for international visitors by enabling payments through their preferred e-wallets, making transactions more convenient and efficient during their stay.
Also read: Mukesh Ambani’s Latest Boeing Jet: The Ultimate Symbol of Luxury and Power!
Revolutionizing payment systems for tourists
The first phase of the Alipay+ rollout in Sri Lanka will see the integration of 14 international e-wallets, including prominent names such as Alipay (China), GCash (Philippines), Naver Pay (South Korea), Hipay (Mongolia), Touch ‘n Go eWallet (Malaysia), and TrueMoney (Thailand), among others. Travellers from key markets such as China, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and Italy, will now be able to scan the LANKAQR code at participating merchants to complete transactions, similar to their payment experiences at home. This partnership is expected to enhance Sri Lanka’s appeal as a tourist destination by offering a smooth and familiar payment process for foreign visitors. Alipay+ has already established a global footprint, and with this launch, Sri Lanka is poised to become a key player in cross-border mobile payments, attracting tourists and business travellers alike.
Also read: India Surpasses Sri Lanka to Claim Second Spot in Global Tea Exports – What’s Driving the Surge?
A boost for Sri Lanka’s booming tourism sector
The launch of Alipay+ aligns with Sri Lanka’s ambitions to attract more international visitors and boost its economy. According to the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), the country witnessed a 38% growth in tourist arrivals in 2024, and the government has set a target of 3 million tourist arrivals and $5 billion in tourism-related revenue for 2025. Additionally, the integration of Alipay+ into the national payment infrastructure provides a competitive edge for Sri Lanka, catering to the needs of mobile-savvy tourists from key inbound markets.
LankaPay CEO, Channa de Silva, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting its importance in facilitating smooth and secure digital payments. “We are delighted to partner with Ant International and enable Alipay+ cross-border payment solutions. This partnership will allow international travellers to make seamless payments during their visit to Sri Lanka, just as they do in their home countries,” de Silva said. He further emphasized the long-term benefits, stating that the collaboration would not only enhance payment convenience for tourists but also contribute to the inflow of much-needed foreign exchange into the country. The initiative is expected to provide local merchants with a cost-efficient, secure, and convenient mechanism to accept payments digitally, stimulating growth across the tourism sector.
Also read: India and Singapore Launch a High-Tech Green Corridor – What It Means for Global Shipping!
Strengthening Sri Lanka’s digital payment ecosystem
Edward Yue, General Manager for Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand at Ant International, commented on the importance of Sri Lanka’s LANKAQR infrastructure. “The LANKAQR initiative by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka and LankaPay provides a solid foundation for the digitalisation of local businesses. We are proud to work with LankaPay to enhance interoperability and connect global customers with Sri Lanka’s local payment ecosystem,” Yue said. In addition to streamlining payments, Alipay+ also opens up new opportunities for Sri Lankan merchants to engage with international tourists through digital services within mobile apps, fostering greater inclusivity and growth. The integration of these new digital services will enable local businesses to tap into the growing trend of digitalisation in the global tourism industry.
Future scope
Looking ahead, Ant International and LankaPay are committed to expanding the Alipay+ network in Sri Lanka. As the platform grows, more international e-wallet partners will be onboarded, ensuring that even more tourists can enjoy the benefits of seamless, cross-border payments. The partnership between Ant International and LankaPay is also a milestone in Sri Lanka’s journey toward becoming a hub for digital payment innovation. By fostering the growth of mobile payment solutions, Sri Lanka is positioning itself as a more attractive destination for tourists and a leader in digital payments within the South Asian region. With the integration of Alipay+ and other digital solutions, Sri Lanka is poised to continue its trajectory as a key player in the global tourism market, offering a modern, efficient, and user-friendly experience to international visitors and business travelers alike.
