New Delhi: Indian tourists can now use the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in Sri Lanka for payments, as NPCI International Payment Limited (NIPL) confirmed the acceptance of UPI in Sri Lanka to make it easier for Indian tourists to make cross-border payments.
The initiative will boost Sri Lanka’s digital economy growth and strengthen the economic and cultural ties between India and Sri Lanka.
Ritesh Shukla, MD & CEO of NPCI International, confirmed the move and said it’s an effort to build trusted, interoperable payment corridors that will strengthen ties between countries 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,” he further said.
Earlier, LankaQR was launched in Sri Lanka for smooth UPI payments across the country to expand the merchant range in hospitality, tourism, retail, and many other sectors, which ultimately boosts the nation’s economy.
Indian tourists were previously making payments by scanning LankaQR, but with the introduction of UPI, they can now make payments with ease.
The NIPL and LankaPay collaboration included big outlets across Sri Lanka like Taj Hotels, Barista, Keells Supermarket, Cinnamon Hotels, and Odel.
The initiative will focus on seamless transactions, as Sri Lanka enjoys over 4,16,000 Indians tourists in 2024, which increased to 5,31,000 in 2025 and will definitely increase in the coming years with the UPI introduction.
Benefits of UPI in Sri Lanka
Indian tourists will now enjoy transparent exchange rates and a secure, seamless 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.
In India, over 20 billion financial transactions took place every month, and with Indians preferring Sri Lanka as one of their favourite foreign trips, UPI will bolster the nation’s economy and growth.