Sri Lanka is set to revolutionize its tourism sector with the introduction of Alipay+, a cross-border payment solution launched in partnership with Ant International. This initiative was officially announced during a press conference held on March 25, 2025, at the Shangri-La Hotel in Colombo. With this new system, over 400,000 merchants across the island will be able to accept mobile payments from international visitors using 14 different e-wallets connected to Alipay+.
The Alipay+ platform connects more than 1.7 billion users globally through 36 international e-wallets and banking apps, significantly enhancing the payment experience for tourists. During this initial phase, travelers from 10 countries and regions can simply scan the LANKAQR code at participating merchants to make payments seamlessly, just as they would at home.
The e-wallets enabled for payments in this first phase include major players such as Alipay from the Chinese mainland, AlipayHK from Hong Kong SAR, MPay from Macao SAR, Hipay from Mongolia, GCash from the Philippines, Changi Pay and OCBC Digital from Singapore, Touch ‘n Go eWallet and MyPB by Public Bank Berhad from Malaysia, Naver Pay and Toss Pay from South Korea, TrueMoney from Thailand, BigPay from Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand, and Tinaba from Italy.
This launch marks the largest acceptance of cross-border payments in Sri Lanka, targeting key inbound markets identified by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), including Italy, Singapore, Malaysia, and China, as well as other growing markets like South Korea and Thailand. The initiative aims to provide travelers with the convenience of using their preferred payment apps while also boosting sales for local businesses.
Mr. Channa de Silva, CEO of LankaPay, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, "We are delighted to partner with Ant International and enable Alipay+ cross-border payment solution, which signifies a landmark milestone in our global journey. This partnership connects us with international Alipay+ partner users worldwide, enabling them to make seamless payments during their visit to Sri Lanka, similar to their experience at home. This collaboration signifies our commitment to enhance payment convenience to tourists and business travelers to Sri Lanka and attract much-needed foreign exchange into the country."
According to SLTDA, Sri Lanka’s tourism sector has experienced significant growth, with visitor arrivals increasing by 38 percent in 2024 compared to the previous year. Looking ahead, Sri Lanka is targeting 3 million tourist arrivals and aims to generate $5 billion in tourism-related revenue for 2025. The introduction of Alipay+ is seen as a crucial step in enhancing the travel experience and supporting the country’s economic growth.
LANKAQR, which stands for Lanka Quick Response, is a national initiative introduced by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka in 2020 to standardize and ensure interoperability for all QR code-based transactions across the country. Managed and operated by LankaPay, the LANKAQR network provides a platform that connects consumers, banks, and merchants into a single payment ecosystem.
Edward Yue, General Manager for Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand at Ant International, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, "The national LANKAQR infrastructure by the Sri Lanka Central Bank and LankaPay lays a strong foundation for the digitalization of local businesses, and we’re proud to partner with LankaPay to enhance interoperability and connect global customers to the local payment ecosystem. Tourism will be a significant driving force in the global economy, and based on trends we are seeing, Sri Lanka will significantly benefit as travelers seek rich cultural, nature, and unique experiences."
Beyond simply facilitating payments, Alipay+ also enables merchants to engage with travelers through new digital services directly within mobile apps, further digitalizing key travel scenarios and opening new channels of engagement. This innovative approach is expected to drive vibrant and inclusive growth in Sri Lanka's tourism sector.
As the partnership between LankaPay and Ant International unfolds, plans are in place to increase the acceptance of additional Alipay+ partner e-wallets in Sri Lanka and to collaborate on joint marketing efforts aimed at attracting more tourists to the island.
With the global economy continuing to evolve, the introduction of Alipay+ in Sri Lanka represents a significant leap towards modernization in the country’s payment systems. It not only aligns with global trends but also positions Sri Lanka as a competitive destination for international travelers.
In conclusion, the collaboration between LankaPay and Ant International is set to transform the landscape of digital payments in Sri Lanka, making it easier for tourists to enjoy their visits and for local businesses to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.
