Sampath Bank at the Forefront of National Transport Modernisation through New Digital Fare System

Sampath Bank PLC is advancing a major national milestone through the commencement of the pilot phase of Sri Lanka’s Bus Fare Digitalisation Project, implemented in collaboration with Ceylon Business Appliances (Pvt) Ltd and Nimbus Venture (Pvt) Ltd. The solution is being introduced through NCG Express, one of the country’s leading private bus operators, enabling commuters to make seamless digital fare payments and supporting the nation’s transition towards a modern transport environment.

The initiative delivers a fully integrated digital fare collection system that allows passengers to settle fares through contactless bank cards supported by Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay and JCB enhancing convenience, strengthening payment security and contributing to a more efficient and transparent commuter experience. The pilot phase aims to validate operational readiness ahead of wider expansion across private and public bus fleets.

Commenting on this landmark initiative, Darshin Pathinayake, Assistant General Manager – Advanced Analytics and Card Centre, Sampath Bank PLC stated, “This initiative reflects our long-standing commitment to advancing national digital progress, as it enhances commuter convenience, strengthens fare collection efficiency and supports Sri Lanka’s journey towards a secure and inclusive cashless transport ecosystem.”

The project has been developed in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation on bus fare collection using bank cards, ensuring alignment with the Government’s priority of establishing a bank-led and interoperable digital payment infrastructure for the public transport sector.

As the certified Ticketing Application and Electronic Ticket Issuing Machine (ETIM) provider, Ceylon Business Appliances strengthens the reliability of the system through robust hardware and secure software capabilities built on more than five decades of Payments and FinTech expertise. Ruwath Fernando, Director/Chief Executive Officer, noted that, “Our commitment to delivering dependable ETIM technology and a seamless ticketing application remains central to this initiative, as it supports accurate fare acceptance, real-time information and overall system reliability, enabling a smoother, more efficient and commuter-friendly experience.”

Nimbus Venture functions as the system integrator responsible for backend connectivity, real-time processing and system stability. Reflecting on their contribution, Dayan Jayasekara, Director and Chief Technology Officer, stated, “Integrated, secure and transparent digital systems form the backbone of effective fare collection, and through YamanBuddy we are powering Sri Lanka’s shift towards smarter, connected travel. Our focus remains on enabling strong operational continuity across the transport network as we help shape the future of public transport.”

NCG Express becomes the first operator to introduce the solution across its fleet, setting the stage for wider adoption across the transport sector. In acknowledging this milestone, Nikitha Grero, Chairman of NCG Express, added, “As a leader in the transport industry in Sri Lanka, we are committed to transforming its landscape and supporting digitalisation efforts for national development. As the first operator to introduce this solution across our fleet, passengers can now benefit from a convenient, seamless, and future-ready payment method, making travelling easier for all. We look forward to driving wider collaboration across the transport industry in the future as well, facilitating seamless, convenient travel island wide.”

Through this initiative, Sampath Bank continues to serve communities by supporting impactful technological progress that enhances daily life and strengthens Sri Lanka’s long-term digital transformation.