Veteran banking innovator Thilak Piyadigama takes the helm at WEBXPAY

In a strategic move towards advancing digital payment solutions in Sri Lanka, WEBXPAY welcomes Thilak Piyadigama, a veteran with over three decades of experience in banking and technology, as its new Executive Chairman. Piyadigama is set to lead WEBXPAY into a new era of digital payment innovation, with a focus on enhancing financial inclusion and driving economic growth across Sri Lanka.

Piyadigama's distinguished career is marked by significant achievements in digital transformation within the banking sector both in Sri Lanka and internationally. At SDB Bank, where he served as CEO, he spearheaded groundbreaking digital initiatives such as the UPay app, revolutionizing digital payments in Sri Lanka. His tenure at Nations Trust Bank saw the successful introduction of FriMi, Sri Lanka's first digital bank, and the implementation of open banking APIs, setting new standards in the industry.

In his new role at WEBXPAY, Piyadigama aims to leverage his extensive experience to further the company’s mission of empowering businesses through seamless digital payment solutions. He envisions expanding WEBXPAY’s reach, enhancing customer experience, and driving financial inclusion through innovative technologies.

"WEBXPAY’s dedication to innovation and its capacity to revolutionize digital payments in Sri Lanka were pivotal in my decision to join the company," stated Piyadigama. "My foremost objectives are to fortify our technological infrastructure, broaden our market footprint, and enhance accessibility to our services, with a particular emphasis on supporting SMEs that are vital to our economic development."

Drawing on his experience in launching and managing digital banking solutions like UPay and FriMi, Piyadigama plans to introduce more user-centric features at WEBXPAY, enhance security protocols, and explore strategic partnerships that can provide added value to customers. "My experience has provided a solid understanding of customer needs and technological trends. At WEBXPAY, I intend to enhance user features, strengthen security measures, and explore partnerships that offer greater value to our clients," he stated.

The future of digital payments in Sri Lanka is promising, driven by increasing smartphone penetration and internet usage that boost the demand for efficient digital payment solutions. The market presents significant opportunities, with a large number of SMEs and approximately 1 trillion in cash needing to be digitized. Despite the variety of payment gateways available, there is ample room for growth. According to Piyadigama, WEBXPAY is well-positioned to play a crucial role by delivering innovative, reliable, and secure payment platforms that cater to both businesses and consumers, thus advancing financial inclusion and economic development.