Central Bank expands 2025 digital payments campaign to Dambulla region

The Central Bank will hold a two-day event at the Dambulla Dedicated Economic Centre next week, as part of its nationwide campaign to promote digital payments and accelerate financial inclusion across the country.

The outreach event, scheduled for August 1-2, will see the participation of Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe and the senior officials. It is part of the regulator’s broader initiative under the 2025 Digital Payments Promotion Campaign themed ‘Shaping the Future Through Digital Payments’.

The initiative aims to familiarise the public with digital transactions as a safer and more efficient alternative to cash. Earlier this year, similar programmes were conducted in Hambantota and Nuwara Eliya, targeting the underserved regions. Financial institutions, including the banks, finance companies, mobile money providers and LankaPay, the operator of the national retail payment network, will be on hand to assist with account openings, mobile payment registrations and digital transaction troubleshooting.

In addition to the advisory services, the public can purchase goods from the micro, small and medium enterprises at the venue and enjoy discounts for paying digitally. The Credit Information Bureau of Sri Lanka will also offer free credit reports on demand.

Ahead of the main event, a merchant awareness campaign will take place from July 29 to 31, in Sigiriya, Habarana and Dambulla, focusing on onboarding the local businesses to accept LANKAQR, the national QR code-based payment solution.

The Central Bank said the campaign forms part of its long-term strategy to improve financial literacy and digital adoption, especially in rural areas, with the goal of fostering inclusive economic growth.