Business
Nations Trust Bank American Express integrates with Mastercard Payment Gateway Services
Offers flexible payment solutions to meet merchants’ needs across channels and markets
Nations Trust Bank American Express today announced the acceptance of American Express, Diners Club and Discover cards on the Mastercard Payment Gateway Services (MPGS) platform for the first time in Sri Lanka. The MPGS technology platform enables convenient and safe payment options to all cardholders whilst providing amazing benefits to merchant partners.
The tie up with MPGS increases the acceptance network of American Express, Diners Club and Discover on local e-commerce platforms. This means that Nations Trust Bank American Express Cardmembers can now benefit from enhanced digital security as well as the added convenience of wider access to merchants and channels, which becomes increasingly relevant in the current backdrop of predominantly online transactions.
Niluka Gunatilake, Head of Cards at Nations Trust Bank commented on the partnership. “Our partnership with Mastercard Payment Gateway Services (MPGS) adds value for both our merchant partners and cardholders, bringing them convenience and safety. Cardholders will be exposed to elevated, secure, reliable and fast digital payment processes whilst e-commerce platforms will enjoy improved stability and security with the range of value-added services covered by the MPGS platform. As a Bank that stays abreast of the latest technologies and advances in the field, we are proud to continue to bring timely cutting-edge technology for our cardholders and partners,” he said.
Merchants partnering with Nations Trust Bank are able to provide a seamless, enhanced user experience for their customers with a wide range of features driving digital payments and increasing reach and revenue. Tokenization and recurring payments, API integrations, Batch Process Payments, along with SDK implementations for Mobile Apps, Express checkout, Lightbox features and 3DS 2.0 capabilities for card authorization on API transactions are among the benefits merchants will receive.
Commenting on this partnership, Sandun Hapugoda, Country Manager – Sri Lanka & Maldives, Mastercard said, “As acceptance of digital payments continues to grow across the country, Mastercard remains committed to support its partners by offering innovative solutions that not only enhance the customer experience, but also further strengthen the partnership itself. Mastercard Payment Gateway Services enable merchants to accept digital payments quickly, safely, and conveniently, thereby helping support the Government and Central Bank of Sri Lanka’s vision of accelerating digital payments across the island.”
Nations Trust Bank, driven to simplify banking for customers, offers digital banking experiences designed to transcend difficulties. With the exponential growth of e-commerce and online transactions, the Bank has invested heavily in a best-in-class platform, online security and cutting-edge technology to cover the entire customer journey. It is this insight that enabled Nations Trust Bank to successfully respond to the pandemic giving customers a host of options to bank from home, maintaining social distance.
Chamara Perera, Group Head of Information Technology of SriLankan Airlines commented “We’re excited to be one of the first partners to go live with the Mastercard Payment Gateway System at Nations Trust Bank, allowing an enhanced user experience for our passengers when they book flights using their American Express, Diners and Discover cards. These value-added features will not only increase convenience but also provide our passengers with an additional layer of security and safety to their digital transactions.”
Business
HNB Assurance climbs 13 places on LMD 100 rankings
HNB Assurance PLC (HNBA) made a significant ascent in the latest LMD 100 rankings climbing 13 places to reach rank 64, cementing its position as one of Sri Lanka’s leading listed companies. Throughout the past few years, HNB Assurance has grown stronger, smarter and more united in its purpose, turning challenges into opportunities and refining every aspect of its operations.
The LMD 100 is a prestigious annual ranking that evaluates the financial and strategic performance of publicly listed companies in Sri Lanka. HNB Assurance has consistently climbed the ranks year after year in recent years, reflecting the company’s sustained growth. With 2025 underway, HNB Assurance is planning to leverage its strengths and growth momentum maintained over the past couple of years, as this year represents the penultimate step in its ambitious journey toward achieving the vision of “10% market share by 2026”, a transformative goal that aims to redefine, elevate and position the company as a trailblazer in the industry.
Sharing his thoughts on the company’s new ranking, Lasitha Wimalarathne, Chief Executive Officer of HNB Assurance PLC, stated, “Our upward trajectory in the LMD 100 rankings reflects the collective efforts of our incredible team, the trust our customers have placed in us and our ability to adapt to the dynamic business landscape. At HNB Assurance, we remain committed to strengthening our core business, embracing innovation and delivering sustainable value to all our stakeholders.”
“As we step into 2025, it is inspiring to reflect on our journey so far. By the end of Q3 2024, we achieved growth that was well above the industry average, a remarkable feat we’ve consistently maintained since 2022. This success has been driven by the exceptional efforts of our sales force both from the Advisor Distribution and Partnerships channels, alongside the support of all our teams. I must also add that our vision for ‘10 in 2026’ is not merely a corporate milestone, it embodies our broader aspiration to transform lives, uplift communities and set new benchmarks in the industry. As the countdown to this goal continues, we will maintain our growth, while continuing to stive and create a lasting impact on the lives of our policyholders.” added, Wimalaratne.
Business
Sri Lanka Insurance further Expand its presence to Naiwala
Sri Lanka Insurance further expands its presence in the Upper Western region with the opens its Naiwala Agency Business Development Center (ABDC) on the 12th of December at No.90/6/C, Airport Road, Naiwala junction, Veyangoda.
The occasion was graced by SLIC Life Chief Business Officer Namalee A. Silva, Deputy General Manager – National Sales (Life) Jagath Welgama, Upper Western regional management, Branch Management of Veyangoda representing Life and General categories. Distinguished invitees and customers of the area were also in attendance at the event.
Agency Business Development Centers (ABDC) allows SLIC to further enhance its reach, which provides convenience and speed of service delivery to its loyal customers in relation with their protection needs.
Business
CEAT Kelani Launches high-performance tractor tyre for Maha season
CEAT Kelani Holdings has introduced a new high-performance tractor tyre, the 13.6 – 28 PUDDLE XL TT 12PR, just in time for the harvest phase of the Maha cultivation season. Designed specifically for agricultural use, this innovative cross-ply tyre promises to enhance farming efficiency and tractor operations.
Compatible with leading tractor brands such as Sonalika, TAFE, John Deere, and Mahindra, the tyre features advanced design elements tailored for puddling operations. Its higher non-skid depth (NSD) ensures superior traction in wet and muddy conditions, while wide and angular lugs improve stability and grip. The tyre’s deep and open shoulders allow for effective self-cleaning, and reinforced carcass construction extends its lifespan, offering excellent value for farmers.
This is the sixth tractor tyre variant developed and manufactured locally by CEAT Kelani Holdings, showcasing the company’s dedication to the agriculture sector.
CEAT Kelani Chief Operating Officer Shamal Gunawardene noted that the tyre addresses the unique challenges faced during the harvest period. “It ensures improved performance, durability, and reliability, empowering farmers and operators to achieve better productivity,” he said.
-
News6 days ago
Sri Lanka’s passport third strongest in South Asia
-
Features6 days ago
Backstreet Boys’ Nick Carter to perform in Colombo!
-
Opinion7 days ago
Tribute to late Commander (MCD) Shanthi Kumar Bahar, RWP Sri Lanka Navy
-
News5 days ago
FSP warns of Indian designs to swamp Sri Lanka
-
News4 days ago
Latest tax hike yields Rs. 7 bn profit windfall for tobacco companies
-
Editorial7 days ago
Jekylls and Hydes
-
News6 days ago
Electricity regulator contradicts Minister; tariff reduction certain
-
Opinion7 days ago
More about Dr. Anton (Kara) Jayasuriya