NPCI International expands UPI merchant acceptance in Sri Lanka for Indian travellers - bfsi.economictimes.indiatimes.com

NPCI International Payments Limited, the overseas arm of the National Payments Corporation of India, said it is strengthening Unified Payments Interface merchant acceptance across Sri Lanka to enable cross border payments for Indian travellers. The move builds on ongoing collaboration with LankaPay and aligns with efforts to deepen cross-border digital payment connectivity between the two countries.Through the integration, Indian tourists can make digital payments by scanning LankaQR codes using their UPI-enabled mobile applications, removing the need to carry or exchange physical currency. UPI acceptance has been enabled at several establishments including Cinnamon Hotels, Taj Hotels, Barista, Keells Supermarket and Odel, among others, the company said.“Through our partnership with LankaPay, we are advancing seamless, secure, and real-time transactions that strengthens the economic partnership between India and Sri Lanka,” said Ritesh Shukla, MD & CEO, NPCI International.India has consistently remained Sri Lanka’s leading source for tourism. Over 4,16,000 Indian tourists visited the island in 2024, and this number grew to 5,31,000 in 2025, accounting for the highest share of total international arrivals. With this year‑on‑year growth, the need for seamless and reliable payment solutions has become even more crucial. Indian visitors travel to Sri Lanka for leisure, weddings, shopping, and spiritual tourism, highlighting the importance of smooth, secure, and convenient payment options throughout their journey.NPCI International said the initiative offers operational benefits for both sides. For travellers, UPI provides real-time payments directly from Indian bank accounts along with transparent exchange rates and familiar authentication flows. For merchants, the platform brings access to a large digital customer base, improves cash management and reduces reliance on physical currency, thereby improving operational efficiency.