Inclusive fintech in focus as LankaPay launches 2026 awards

LankaPay DCEO Dinuka Perera, LankaPay CEO Channa de Silva, Panel of Judges Chairman Rajeeva Bandaranaike, Central Bank Director Payments and Settlements Vasantha Alwis and Sri Lanka Banks’ Association Secretary General Indrajith Boyagoda 

Sri Lanka’s national payment network LankaPay announced the eighth edition of the LankaPay Technnovation Awards, positioning the 2026 event around the theme of ‘Inclusive FinTech’, as the country deepens its push toward digital financial services.

The awards are billed as Sri Lanka’s first and only competition dedicated exclusively to payment technology innovation. Over the years, the event has evolved into a national benchmark for digital payment excellence, drawing participation from the banks, non-bank financial institutions, fintech firms and government entities.   

The announcement was made at a press conference held end last week. The grand finale is scheduled for March 24, at Cinnamon Life, with Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe expected to attend as the chief guest. Digital Economy Deputy Minister Eranga Weerarathne will be the guest of honour, alongside Chief Advisor to President on Digital Economy Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya.

Launched in 2017, the awards seek to recognise the institutions that have expanded access to secure and convenient digital payment solutions across the country, including in the underserved and remote communities. The 2026 edition will evaluate the interbank digital payment performance during the period from January 01 to December 31, 2025.

Twelve award categories will be contested, ranging from the Overall Award for Excellence in Digital Payments, Best Institution for Financial Inclusivity, Best Digital Payment App for Retail Payments to Best Digital Government Payments Enabler. The Most Popular Digital Payment Solution of the Year 2025 will once again be decided through an online public poll.

LankaPay said the initial shortlisting was conducted using predefined criteria communicated at the start of the assessment period and subjected to an independent audit. The shortlisted institutions subsequently presented their performance and innovation outcomes before an independent panel of judges.

As Sri Lanka accelerates digitalisation, the payment infrastructure provider said the awards aim to reinforce the efficiency, reach and impact of the national payment network, underscoring the industry-wide support for advancing inclusive fintech and broadening participation in the formal financial system.