Business
PickMe partners with LankaQR to reduce the dollar outflow
PickMe, Sri Lanka’s Number One ride hailing company, recently partnered with LankaQR to facilitate direct payments. LankaQR (LQR) is a common Quick Response (QR) code standard adopted by financial institutions in Sri Lanka to facilitate fast, secure and low-cost digital payments to any merchant, especially small and medium enterprises. It enables customers to pay merchants directly from their bank accounts (CASA) and credit & debit cards using a LankaQR compliant mobile payment app. PickMe has also enabled Master and Visa network QR payments simultaneously through this initiative. Their goal is to deliver a convenient and safer experience to their customers, merchants and drivers.
“As a registered Sri Lankan company, we believe it is crucial at this juncture to enable transactions that are done locally in terms of transferring funds. Not only is it convenient for our customers but it is also the best thing for the nation, especially now,”says Zulfer Jiffry, CEO of PickMe.
PickMe customers can now pay their fares via the LankaQR common QR code. The easy to use QR code system allows customers to simply scan and authenticate their payments for rides or deliveries. Payments can be made through smartphone or tablet that has the LankaQR enabled app.
“With the dollar continuing to rise against the rupee, we have taken a decision to do everything possible to reduce pressure on the demand. This is why we have opted to provide this very local option to our customers. We hope to make our customers aware at this very crucial time for the Sri Lankan economy, that every time they do transactions which culminate outside the country, it only helps the current crisis to become bigger. We really don’t need to compromise our much needed dollars to buy our daily needs or pay for our food and taxis,” reiterated Jiffry.
“We are happy that PickMe has included this method of payment in their offering because these will be domestic transactions that would ease pressure on the dollar demand. This step by PickMe is a boost to local solutions,” says Dharmasri Kumaratunga, Director – Payments and Settlements, Central Bank of Sri Lanka.
The use of a QR code also ensures safety since it is a cashless transaction, which limits unnecessary contact and helps maintain hygiene during these pandemic times. PickMe is in the process of partnering with banks on the LankaQR platform to further ensure ease of payments to their customers.
Currently both India and China have prioritised QR code payments. India launched Bharat QR in October 2020. According to a report released by the Chinese card payment giant, China UnionPay, 85 percent of users had scanned QR codes to pay last year, indicating how well the system had integrated with Chinese consumers’ daily lives.
Payment methods using QR codes are tried and tested and have been in use around the world for several years now. We believe this effective and convenient platform is the way forward for both our customers and merchants.
The Business World International Conference and Awards Ceremony organised by Business World International Organisation INC-USA, the event which is recognized as one of the most prestigious Business Award Festivals in the Asia Pacific Region, was held at the Mount Lavinia Hotel, Colombo with the participation of several business personalities and celebrities of Sri Lanka. The Joint Chief Guests were Dr. Purna Bahadur Nepali (Ambassador of Nepal to Sri Lanka) and Prof. Dr. Dietmar Doering (Founder / Chairman – AGSEP Research and Advisory Board Member of Business World International Organization – USA). Guests of Honour were Tham Whye Long (First Secretary/Head of Chancery – High Commission of Malaysia in Sri Lanka), Prof. Dr. Rohan De Silva (President – Sri Lanka Chamber of Small and Medium Industries), (Retd) Major General R. A. J. N. Ranasingha (RSP USP NDC MSC – Sri Lanka Army), Dr. Rohan Pallewatta (Excutive Chairman of the Start-Up High Tech Company – Lanka Harness, a BOI approved company operating in the Free Trade Zone at Biyagama in Sri Lanka), Dr. Kishu Gomes (Chairman – Exterminators PLC, Group Managing Director / CEO – Dreamron Group of Companies & Advisory Committee Member – Sri Lanka Tourism), Dian Gomes (Nonorary Consul of Georgia in Sri Lanka, Chairman – Colombo School of Business Management & Independent Non-Executive Director – Nestle Lanka Ltd).
Special Guests were Rt. Rev. Bishop Prof. Dr. Nissanka Weerappulige (Advisory Board Member of Business World International Organization – USA), Prof. Dr. Dame Anoma Weeraratne Wijenayake (Advisory Board Member of Business World International Organization – USA), Gerd Heinzerling (Advisory Board Member of Business World International Organization – USA), Priyantha Padmasiri (President – Sri Lanka Canada Business Council), M. H. K. M. Hameez (Vice President – Sri Lanka Canada Business Council & Immediate Past President – Sri Lanka Malaysia Business Council). The invitees were graciously welcomed by Dr. Anthony Dexter Fernando (Chairman – Business World International Organisation USA – International Chapter), Dr. Tharindu Wijenayake (Deputy Chairman – Business World International Organisation USA – International Chapter) and Dr. Emerita Wijenayake (Project Chairperson & Director – Business World International Organisation USA – International Chapter).
Sampath Bank recently formalised a strategic partnership with the Chamber of Young Lankan Entrepreneurs (COYLE) by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at its Head Office. This partnership highlights Sampath Bank’s ongoing commitment to promoting innovation, driving business growth, and empowering Sri Lanka’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Through this collaboration, Sampath Bank will serve as the official banking partner for the COYLE Awards and the Young Lankan Program, two flagship initiatives that recognise business excellence and nurture emerging leaders. Supporting these initiatives allows the Bank to create a strong pipeline for SME engagement, provide access to tailored financial solutions, and build meaningful relationships with the country’s leading entrepreneurs.
ANC, a leading Lankan higher education provider, partnered with Northwood University to host the 2025 NUCARS simulation in Sri Lanka for the first time. Held from April 7–11, the event brought together students from the U.S., Europe, and Sri Lanka for an immersive, hands-on learning experience in automotive retail strategy. Twenty-two ANC students participated, showcasing their ability to compete globally. Celebrating its 28th anniversary, NUCARS emphasized teamwork, cross-cultural collaboration, and real-world business decision-making—highlighting ANC’s commitment to delivering globally recognized education and empowering students with essential skills for the international marketplace, said a release.
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