Sri Lanka, Mauritius jointly launch Indian UPI service

Creating ICT history in Sri Lanka and supporting the government initiative in moving towards a digital economy, Sri Lanka and Mauritius jointly launched and accepted Indian based UPI services in the two countries from yesterday.The historic launch of UPI services in Sri Lanka and Mauritius via video conferencing , along with the introduction of RuPay card services in Mauritius, strengthens digital ties between India, Sri Lanka, and India.It was simultaneously launched with leaders of the three countries, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Mauritian PM Pravind Jugnauth at 1 p.m. yesterday. Besides this, RuPay card services will be launched in Mauritius, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a press release on Sunday.  India’s UPI services are also approved by the central banks of the three countries.

Former President Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators, Mahen Kariyawasam said that the launch of UPI will be a major boost for tourism as the Indian tourists would now pay directly for services they obtain from Sri Lanka.As for the Indian travelers they now don’t have to change Indian rupees to dollars and then to Sri Lanka rupees nor have to withdraw money for local ATMS but simply pay in Sri Lanka via UPI.“What the hotels and merchants now have to do is to download a special QR Lanka pay app that links UPI with them.”

An official from LankaQR, said that 10,000 merchants are set to accept UPI payments shortly after launch. By March 2024, this number will reach 65,000, providing a seamless payment solution for Indian tourists and Indian merchants. A similar facility will also be extended to Chinese nationals soon.

( Source : Daily News)