UPI Expansion in Sri Lanka: NPCI International Strengthens Digital Payments for Indian Tourists
Seamless UPI Payments to Boost Travel Experience in Sri Lanka
New Delhi, March 17: NPCI International Payments Limited, the global arm of the National Payments Corporation of India, on Tuesday announced efforts to expand the acceptance of the Unified Payments Interface across Sri Lanka. The move is aimed at enabling seamless digital transactions for Indian tourists while supporting the island nation’s growing digital economy.Integration with LankaQR Infrastructure
With more than 700 million QR touchpoints in India, UPI’s interoperable framework is being integrated with Sri Lanka’s LankaPay-powered LankaQR system. This collaboration allows Indian travelers to make payments by simply scanning LankaQR codes using UPI-enabled applications.NPCI stated that this integration reduces the need for cash transactions and simplifies payments across borders, particularly for tourists.
Rising Indian Tourist Footfall Drives Demand
India continues to be the largest source of tourists for Sri Lanka. Over 4.16 lakh Indian visitors traveled to the country in 2024, a figure that increased to 5.31 lakh in 2025. The steady rise in tourist numbers has led to greater demand for reliable and convenient payment solutions, especially for activities such as leisure travel, shopping, weddings, and spiritual visits.Wide Merchant Acceptance Across Key Sectors
The UPI-based payment facility is already available across major establishments in Sri Lanka, including hospitality chains, retail outlets, and supermarkets.To expand adoption further, NPCI International has been working closely with key stakeholders such as the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, acquiring banks, and merchants. These efforts are aligned with Sri Lanka’s domestic payments framework to ensure smooth implementation.
Benefits for Tourists and Local Businesses
According to NPCI, the initiative is expected to deliver advantages on both sides. Indian tourists gain access to real-time payment options, transparent exchange rates, and a familiar payment interface. At the same time, Sri Lankan merchants can access a large base of digital customers, improve cash management, and reduce dependence on physical currency.Focus on Cross-Border Payment Corridors
Ritesh Shukla, Managing Director and CEO of NPCI International, said the organisation is focused on building interoperable payment corridors to simplify cross-border transactions and strengthen economic ties between countries.He added that expanding UPI acceptance across sectors such as hospitality, retail, and tourism will enhance business value while improving the overall travel experience.
UPI’s Global Recognition
Recognised by the International Monetary Fund as the world’s largest real-time payment system, accounting for nearly 50 percent of global instant payments, UPI is expected to play a key role in strengthening cross-border trade and economic engagement between India and Sri Lanka.Disclaimer: Due care and diligence have been taken in compiling and presenting news and market-related content. However, errors or omissions may arise despite such efforts.
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