An Indian tourist uses a Unified Payments Interface-enabled app for a transaction at Kingsbury Colombo.
SOLO by HNB enhances traveller experience with Unified Payments Interface & UnionPay International QR-integration
Sri Lanka's most customer-friendly bank, HNB PLC, recently rolled out Lanka QR payment acceptance for Indian and Chinese tourists through SOLO, facilitated by the recent partnerships of LankaPay with the National Payment Corporation of India and UnionPay International, a subsidiary of China UnionPay.
The partnership will boost tourism and enhance financial connectivity, enabling smoother transactions across borders and ushering in a new era of convenient payment methods for travellers, the diaspora and tourists using Indian and Chinese-based mobile payment applications.
"As we unveil the QR integrations, HNB reaffirms its role as a catalyst for innovation in the financial sector, driving the adoption of digital payment solutions that cater to a global audience. This initiative represents a bridge between cultures, economies, and individuals, streamlining transactions for tourists and reinforcing Sri Lanka's position as a prime destination with unparalleled ease of access and convenience," HNB Deputy General Manager - Retail Banking Group, Sanjay Wijemanne said
The QR integration to SOLO by HNB's LankaQR-integrated merchants marks a pivotal moment in enhancing digital payment solutions for local and international users. By enabling transactions through Unified Payments Interface & UnionPay International, travellers with Indian or Chinese Mobile Payment Applications can now conveniently pay at any merchant outlets affiliated with Lanka QR deployed by SOLO using their domestic payment apps.
This initiative aims to empower large retail chains, MSMEs, and small vendors such as market stall owners, corner shops, and independent retailers. By offering them access to a broader range of digital payment options at tourist hotspots, HNB is fostering financial inclusion and supporting business growth. This collaboration enables businesses to accept payments securely and seamlessly, enhancing their potential and contributing to Sri Lanka's economic development.
"These integrations with the LankaQR payment gateway represent a significant milestone in enhancing merchant adoption of digital payments. This initiative will undoubtedly catalyze the growth of Sri Lanka's digital economy, offering greater convenience and security for Indian and Chinese tourists to make payments seamlessly via mobile applications." HNB Assistant General Manager - Digital Business, Chammika Weerasinghe said.
With 254 customer centres, HNB is one of Sri Lanka's largest, most technologically innovative private banks. Consolidating its legacy in sustainability, good governance, and corporate excellence, HNB was crowned the Best Corporate Citizen for 2022 at the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Best Corporate Citizen Awards. Other significant accolades include being adjudged the "Best Retail Bank in Sri Lanka" for the 13th occasion by the Asian Banker, being declared the "Best SME Bank" by Asiamoney Magazine, as well as securing a Top 5 position on Business Today's Top 40 rankings for 2023.
HNB was ranked among Sri Lanka's Top 10 Most Admired companies in 2022 by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, and the International Chamber of Commerce Sri Lanka. HNB was also recognized for its service excellence in trade services at the Euromoney Awards, taking home the prestigious titles of Best Market Leader in Trade Finance Services and Best Services Provider in Trade Finance Services, both globally and domestically.
