LankaPay, the national payment network of Sri Lanka, has announced a collaboration with Weixin Pay, known as WeChat Pay, to facilitate cross-border QR payment acceptance for LANKAQR merchants. The official launch took place on March 24, 2026, at the NH Collection in Colombo.
This partnership will allow Weixin Pay users visiting Sri Lanka to effortlessly scan and make payments at more than 400,000 LANKAQR merchants across the island. This initiative aims to significantly enhance the country’s digital payment capabilities for international travelers, improving the convenience of payments for tourists and business visitors, while also bolstering the growth of Sri Lanka’s tourism industry.
Weixin Pay is recognized as one of the leading mobile payment services globally, particularly among travelers from mainland China. With this new integration, tourists utilizing Weixin Pay will experience a familiar payment process during their stay in Sri Lanka, similar to what they are accustomed to in their home country.
This advancement marks another milestone in LankaPay’s ongoing mission to enhance interoperability and broaden access to internationally recognized digital payment solutions. By linking global mobile payment systems to the LANKAQR network, LankaPay is committed to improving the accessibility, efficiency, and inclusiveness of Sri Lanka’s digital payment landscape, while also fostering the growth of the tourism sector. The introduction of widely accepted payment methods is anticipated to enrich the overall experience for visitors, while also boosting foreign exchange inflows. Additionally, this initiative will motivate small and micro businesses in the tourism sector to integrate into the expanding digital payment ecosystem, thereby promoting financial inclusivity and addressing some of the challenges these enterprises face in securing financing, which can lead to broader socio-economic benefits.
Mr. Channa de Silva, the Chief Executive Officer of LankaPay, remarked on the partnership, saying, “We are thrilled to enable Weixin Pay acceptance here in Sri Lanka. This collaboration showcases our ongoing dedication to delivering secure, seamless, and globally interoperable payment solutions. By connecting international travelers to Sri Lanka’s LANKAQR network, we aspire to enhance payment convenience while supporting local merchants and contributing to the overall growth of the economy.”
Mr. Ben Yang, Managing Director of Weixin Pay for Southeast Asia and North America, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are excited to work with LankaPay to bring Weixin Pay to Sri Lanka. As Chinese outbound travel continues to grow, having familiar and convenient payment options becomes increasingly vital. This collaboration will allow travelers to conduct transactions effortlessly while providing local businesses with new opportunities to connect with international customers.”
LANKAQR, which was established under the guidance of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, ensures that all QR-based transactions within the country meet international EMVCo standards for standardization and interoperability. Managed by LankaPay, the network links banks, financial institutions, merchants, and consumers on a unified platform, promoting secure and efficient digital payments throughout the nation.
With the introduction of Weixin Pay acceptance, LankaPay further solidifies its role as a pivotal player in enhancing Sri Lanka’s digital payment infrastructure and continues to drive innovation to support the nation’s evolving digital economy.
Financial Chronicle Biz English | Sri Lanka Business News.
