HNB-RDA introduce card payment on expressways

HNB Managing Director/CEO Damith Pallewatte performs the first official card-based toll payment at the Kottawa interchange, marking the launch of Sri Lanka’s inaugural card-enabled expressway payment system, introduced in partnership with the Road Development Authority 

HNB PLC announced a partnership with the Road Development Authority (RDA) to launch the island’s first card-based toll payment system, marking a significant step forward in enhancing commuter convenience and modernising national transport infrastructure. 

The pilot phase of the initiative was officially launched on April 11, 2025, at the Kottawa and Kadawatha interchanges on the Southern Expressway.

The initiative follows the official agreement signed on April 09, 2025, between HNB and the RDA at the Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Ministry. HNB was selected to power the project through a competitive tender process. As part of the rollout, motorists will now be able to pay toll charges using credit and debit cards directly at highway booths — a departure from the previously cash-only model and underused QR-based solutions.

Enabled via HNB’s secure card acceptance infrastructure, the system supports Visa, Mastercard, American Express (Amex) and LankaPay JCB cards. Importantly, the service is available to all cardholders of all Sri Lankan banks and will be rolled out across the entire highway network. HNB Managing Director/CEO Damith Pallewatte led the first official card-based transaction at the launch event. 

Pallewatte said, “This initiative is another compelling example of how technology can help to enhance everyday payments, making them quick and hassle-free.”    

HNB Senior Executive Vice President/COO Sanjay Wijemanne said, “Working closely with the RDA, we are setting a new benchmark for operational excellence in public infrastructure.”

Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Minister Bimal Rathnayake commented, “Our aim has always been to make public services simpler and more accessible. Partnering with HNB to introduce card payments on expressways is a meaningful step in that direction.”