SL-Nepal launch cross-border digital payment connectivity to strengthen regional financial integration

From left: Nepal Clearing House Board Director and Shangri-La Development Bank DCEO Umesh Singh Bhandari, CEO Neelesh Man Singh Pradhan, Nepal Rastra Bank Payment Systems Department Assistant Director Roshani Karki, Director Samjhana Dhakal, Central Bank of Sri Lanka Assistant Governor C.P.S. Bandara, Payment and Settlement Director K.V.K. Alwis, Additional Director Payment and Settlement Manisha Wimalasuriya, LankaPay CEO Channa De Silva and Deputy CEO Dinuka Perera

• Nepalis travelling to Sri Lanka can now use their domestic payment app to scan and pay at more than 400,000 LankaQR merchants 

In a significant milestone for regional digital payment interoperability, on May 12, 2026, Sri Lanka and Nepal officially launched cross-border QR payment connectivity.

This enables the Nepali travellers visiting Sri Lanka to make seamless digital payments using their domestic payment applications, including mobile banking apps and connect IPS, at more than 400,000 merchants accepting LankaQR payments across Sri Lanka.

The launch was formally announced at a special event held in Colombo, in the presence of the senior officials from the Nepal Rastra Bank, Central Bank of Sri Lanka, senior representatives from Nepal Clearing House Ltd (NCHL) and LankaPay. 

The initiative marks a major advancement in regional financial integration and digital payment connectivity between South Asian nations, further strengthening secure, real-time and interoperable payment ecosystems.

Nepal and Sri Lanka share longstanding historical, cultural and religious ties, supported by growing tourism and business exchanges between the two countries. The new cross-border QR payment arrangement is expected to significantly enhance the travel experience for Nepali tourists and business visitors by providing a convenient, secure and cashless payment option without the hassle of physical currency exchange. 

The interoperability between the national payment infrastructures of Nepal and Sri Lanka also opens new opportunities for merchants, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, by enabling access to international customers through seamless digital acceptance.

Under this arrangement, the Nepali users can make real-time payments in Sri Lanka by simply scanning LankaQR codes using participating payment applications from Nepal. Transactions are processed through regulated and secure payment infrastructure, ensuring convenience, safety and efficiency for the users and merchants alike.

NCHL CEO Neelesh Man Singh Pradhan said, “This partnership with LankaPay represents a significant step towards enabling convenient, affordable and secure cross-border QR payments for consumers and businesses between Nepal and Sri Lanka. The initiative is expected to strengthen regional payment interoperability and further promote digital economic connectivity across South Asia.”

LankaPay CEO Channa de Silva said, “The launch of cross-border QR payments between Sri Lanka and Nepal marks another important milestone in LankaPay’s journey to expand international payment interoperability. This collaboration will enhance the historical ties between the two countries while providing greater convenience to travellers and local businesses. This initiative will also support the broader vision of growing seamless digital payments in the region.”

The cross-border QR payment connectivity reflects the shared commitment of both countries to promote inclusive digital financial services, strengthen regional payment interoperability and accelerate the adoption of modern payment systems. 

By linking the two national payment ecosystems, the initiative is expected to support tourism, trade and people-to-people connectivity while contributing to the broader vision of regional digital cooperation.