Business
Locally developed ‘Scan&Pay’ QR code saves Rs. 1.5 billion
From left – State Minister of Samurdhi, Household Economy, Micro Finance, Self Employment, Business Development and Underutilized State Resources Development Shehan Semasinhe, State Minister of Cooperative Services, Marketing Development and Consumer Protection Lasantha Alagiyawanna, State Minister of Money and Capital Market and State Enterprise Reforms Ajith Nivard Cabraal, Trade Minister Bandula Gunawardena and CBSL Governor Prof. W. D. Lakshman.
by Sanath Nanayakkare
The national ‘Scan and Pay’ digital payment QR code (LankaQR) launched by the Central Bank yesterday has been developed without obtaining consultancy from a foreign firm, which would otherwise have cost about Rs. 1.5 billion for the country, a forum of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) revealed yesterday.
Dharmasri Kumaratunga, Director, Payments and Settlements Department of the CBSL made this revelation at the launch of the National QR Code, LANKAQR.
“Cambodia had paid US$ 8 million for a similar service that it received from Korea. But we were able to develop the National QR code using the technical know-how of our own developers, so it’s tantamount to being able to save about Rs. 1.5 billion which would otherwise have been paid for foreign consultancy,” he said.
Central Bank Governor Prof. W.D. Lakshman pointed out that this facility would encourage digital payments in the economy and reduce the cost of cash management as well as formalise the informal sector.
Ajith Nivard Cabraal, State Minister of Money and Capital Market and State Enterprise Reforms said that the use of credit cards in the country has increased and the Central Bank has moved further ahead to introduce the National QR Code to accelerate the empowerment of the digital economy. “We should enable the inflows into the country to be formalized attracting those who transfer money to the country through alternative methods. For this we must offer low costs for such inward remittances. Also, we must follow tech developments in the world on a daily basis and adopt them in our financial landscape ensuring cyber-security of those payment and settlement innovations. We shouldn’t lag behind other countries, he said.
The code enables quick and secure transactions at a low cost bringing numerous benefits to the public and the economy.
Customers can use the LANKAQR system to transfer funds directly to a merchant’s bank account where a nominal fee is charged from the merchant.
The new payment system is expected to be beneficial to small and medium enterprises, which account for 90 percent of all businesses and contribute 52 percent of gross domestic product (GDP).
Business
IceWarp expands into Sri Lanka, fostering European innovation in collaboration with FentonsIT
IceWarp, a global leader in business communication solutions, has officially launched its cutting-edge platform in Sri Lanka, bringing European expertise in email and collaboration solutions to support the country’s evolving business landscape.
This expansion is driven by a strategic partnership with Fentons Information Technology (FIT), the Information Technology arm of Hayleys Fentons Limited.
The grand launch event held at The Kingsbury Colombo on 4th April, 2025, was graced by several distinguished guests, including Chief Guest Mohan Pandithage, Chairman and Chief Executive of Hayleys PLC.
The presence of Adam Paclt, Global CEO of IceWarp, and Pramod Sharda, CEO for India and the Middle East of IceWarp, along with their global team, highlighted the significance of this expansion. Industry experts, government officials, corporate leaders, and CIOs from the banking, financial services and insurance sectors were in attendance as well, reflecting strong local interest in IceWarp’s European expertise.
With this launch, Sri Lankan businesses now have access to an affordable, scalable and secure alternative to Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace. IceWarp’s advanced Collaboration Suite integrates a wide range of tools into a single, unified platform designed to streamline communication and boost productivity. Offering flexible hybrid deployment options and cost-efficient solution, IceWarp enables organisations to optimise their operations without compromising security or functionality.
Eventistry Sports, a trailblazer in innovative sporting events, has unveiled the Sri Lanka Padel League (SLPL), the nation’s first franchise-based padel tournament, set to debut in June 2025. This groundbreaking league promises to redefine Sri Lanka’s sports landscape by creating a dynamic national platform for athletes while fostering unity among fans, brands, and communities.
The SLPL will showcase six franchise teams, each embodying the spirit of iconic Sri Lankan locales: the Colombo Chargers, Yala Rangers, Hikkaduwa Riders, Ella Hawks, Arugambay Vipers, and Trinco Warriors. These teams will not only ignite regional pride but also unite the country through a shared passion for padel—a fast-paced racquet sport merging tennis and squash, played on enclosed courts.
“The SLPL is more than a league; it’s a movement,” declared Karin Wijeratne, Director of Eventistry Sports. “By blending franchise sports with Sri Lanka’s vibrant culture, we’re creating a platform where players gain national recognition, fans rally behind their hometown heroes, and brands engage with communities in meaningful ways.”
The league’s launch on June 21–23, 2025, at Colombo’s Padel House courts (CR&FC) will kick off with three days of high-octane matches, preceded by a star-studded player auction on May 16th at The Vault, Colombo City Centre. Local talent—both professional and intermediate—will be drafted by franchise owners, with international registrations now open to elevate the competition’s global appeal.
Please log in to: www.slpadelleague.com and social media: @SriLankaPadelLeague (Facebook & Instagram) for more information.
Ceylon Energy and HJT China have successfully completed the Mahiyangana-Kappalthurei 33kV power distribution lines and the Uhana Gantry as part of Sri Lanka’s Supporting Electricity Supply Reliability Improvement Project (SESRIP). Funded by the Asian Development Bank ($42 million), SESRIP aims to expand energy access in underserved regions, including conflict-affected areas and provinces like Uva and North Central.
The project’s infrastructure spans over 270 km of 33kV lines, 13 switching gantries, and 2,372 km of low-voltage extensions.
The projects connect 35,000+ households and improve reliability for 493,000+ consumers; integrates renewables to reduce losses.
The projects’ notable components include: Mahiyangana-Bibila Line: 36 km with 147 steel towers and Kappalthurei-Sixth Mile Post Line: 14 km with 58 towers.
Ceylon Energy Chairman Madushanka Fernando hailed it as a ‘new beginning of a brighter era’, emphasising the project’s role in uplifting rural communities and driving sustainable development.
The initiative underscores Sri Lanka’s commitment to inclusive, reliable energy and climate resilience.
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