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India’s PhonePe unveils UPI payment in partnership with LankaPay

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LankaPay – Sri Lanka’s National Payment Network on Wednesday announced its partnership with PhonePe – one of India’s most popular fintech apps – towards accepting UPI payments at LankaQR merchant points.

The launch was graced by Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha who highlighted the key role played by fintech connectivity in the overall connectivity between India and Sri Lanka. Addressing the gathering, Guest of Honour Central Bank of Sri Lanka Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, acknowledged the collaboration’s capacity to unlock new opportunities and enhance competitiveness and the benefits that it would bring to Sri Lankan merchants.

PhonePe International Payments CEO Ritesh Pai said: “We are thrilled to announce our partnership with LankaPay. This collaboration offers unparalleled convenience to Indian tourists who can now use a familiar and secure payment method while traveling and pay across LankaQR merchant points. PhonePe has always been at the forefront of driving innovation in payments. We are incredibly proud to be driving UPI adaptation across India, and our expansion to Sri Lanka is another exciting step forward.”

LankaPay CEO Channa de Silva CEO said: “LankaPay is delighted to collaborate with PhonePe to revolutionise the cross-border payments between Sri Lanka and India. This partnership is bound to provide greater convenience to Indian tourists and business travelers in making seamless UPI payments at all LankaQR merchant points in Sri Lanka via PhonePe app. We are excited about the potential of this collaboration that would enhance payment experience to Indian tourists and business travellers during their stay in Sri Lanka and also provide the merchants with a cost-effective proposition to card payments. I envisage that innovation to be the cornerstone of this alliance and would lead to further strengthening of bilateral relations between the two countries.”

At the launch, de Silva also made an insightful presentation, giving a snapshot of Sri Lanka’s digital payment landscape followed by an insightful panel discussion on ‘The Future of Digital Payments in Sri Lanka: Opportunities for Sri Lankan Businesses,’ which focused on the possibilities and growth avenues for local businesses.

The session featured National Savings Bank GM/CEO Shashi Kandambi, Hatton National Bank PLC COO Sanjay Wijemanne, LOLC Finance PLC Chairman Conrad Dias, and Dialog Finance PLC Chairperson Renuka Fernando, who discussed how businesses can leverage digital payment technologies and tap into a wider market to stay competitive in an evolving economic landscape. The session was moderated by LankaPay CEO de Silva.

Following the panel discussion, PhonePe International Payments CEO Ritesh Pai unveiled insights on leveraging UPI for global markets and the growth prospects it offers for merchants.

The event also saw the presence of several key stakeholders from the Sri Lankan financial landscape, including senior representatives from banking sectors, payment system providers, and representatives from tourism sector and business associations. This alliance is facilitated through LankaPay’s partnership with NPCI International Payments Ltd. (NIPL).

During the event, PhonePe announced that its app users travelling to Sri Lanka can now make payments using UPI across LankaPayQR merchants nationwide. Users can simply scan LankaQR code to make secure and quick payments without carrying cash or calculating currency conversions. Their account will be debited in INR, showing the currency exchange rate. These transactions are facilitated by the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and LankaPay National Payment Network.

PhonePe Group is India’s leading fintech company. Its flagship product, the PhonePe digital payments app, was launched in Aug 2016. In just seven years, the company has scaled rapidly to become India’s leading consumer payments app with over 520 million registered users and a digital payments acceptance network of 38 million merchants. PhonePe also processes 230+ million daily transactions with an annualised Total Payment Value (TPV) of $ 1.5+ trillion.

On the back of its leadership in digital payments, PhonePe Group has expanded into financial services (Insurance, Lending, Wealth) as well as new consumer tech businesses (Pincode – hyperlocal e-commerce and Indus App Store – India’s first localised App Store). PhonePe Group is an India headquartered technology company with a portfolio of businesses aligned with the company’s vision to offer every Indian an equal opportunity to accelerate their progress by unlocking the flow of money and access to services.

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Sri Lankan-founded startup Logical accepted into Y Combinator, raises over Rs. 150 Mn

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A Sri Lankan founded artificial intelligence startup has achieved a major international milestone after being accepted into Y Combinator (YC), one of the world’s most prestigious startup accelerators, while also raising more than Rs. 150 million in initial funding to accelerate its global expansion.

Logical, founded by Sri Lankan engineers Samurdhi Karunaratne (Sam Karu) and Anushka Idamekorala, is believed to be the first startup established entirely by a Sri Lankan founding team to join the highly selective Silicon Valley accelerator. The investment provides the company with a strong platform to develop a globally competitive artificial intelligence product from the United States.

The company is developing a proactive desktop AI copilot designed for knowledge workers. Unlike conventional AI chatbots, Logical understands a user’s work context across multiple applications and proactively assists with drafting emails, preparing documents, summarising meetings, identifying action items and streamlining workflows with minimal prompting.

Chief Executive Officer Samurdhi Karunaratne said acceptance into Y Combinator reinforces the belief that Sri Lankan entrepreneurs should aspire to build globally significant technology companies. Co Founder and Chief Technology Officer Anushka Idamekorala added that the team’s ambition is to demonstrate that world class AI products can be created by Sri Lankan engineers competing on the global stage.

The two founders first met at Dharmaraja College, Kandy, before pursuing engineering degrees at the University of Peradeniya and the University of Moratuwa respectively. Both later continued advanced studies in the United States before launching Logical in Silicon Valley.

The achievement represents an important milestone for Sri Lanka’s innovation ecosystem, highlighting the country’s growing capability to produce globally competitive technology entrepreneurs and reinforcing its reputation as an emerging source of AI talent and deep technology innovation.

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First Fuel Station to be Established in Delft Island

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The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) says a fuel station will be established for the first time on Delft Island in Sri Lanka.

CPC Managing Director Dr. Mayura Neththikumarage said the initiative is expected to boost tourism development and support livelihoods on the island.

He added that the current fuel distribution process in the Delft Island has been disorganised and the new facility aims to improve efficiency and access.

Dr. Neththikumarage further stated that the foundation stone for the fuel station was laid on the Delft Island today, with construction expected to be completed within the next few months.

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Evolution Auto Launched the Xpeng G6 in Sri Lanka Marking a New Era in Premium Electric Mobility

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Evolution Auto Private Limited the authorised distributor for Xpeng in Sri Lanka, officially launched the New Generation Xpeng G6 at its multi brand showroom in Colombo 05 on 22 May 2026, marking a significant milestone in the country’s rapidly evolving electric vehicle landscape.

The launch event brought together media representatives, industry stakeholders, and invited guests for the official unveiling of the premium intelligent electric SUV. The evening featured a formal vehicle reveal, live demonstrations, and opportunities for test drives, allowing attendees to experience the Xpeng G6 firsthand.

The introduction of the Xpeng G6 arrived at a crucial moment for Sri Lanka’s New Energy Vehicle market. While consumer interest in electric mobility continues to grow, the segment has faced challenges including range anxiety, limited premium offerings, and concerns over aftersales support. The arrival of the G6 aimed to directly address these gaps by introducing a globally competitive intelligent EV backed by advanced technology and strong international partnerships.

Speaking at the launch, Ashan Wickramasinghe Head of Marketing Evolution Auto stated:

“We are not just bringing a car to Sri Lanka. We are bringing a new standard in technology, in ownership experience, and in what Sri Lankan consumers should expect from a modern electric vehicle.”

Positioned as a premium electric SUV competing in the global mid to upper EV segment, the Xpeng G6 offered a WLTP certified driving range of up to 480 kilometres. The vehicle was powered by an electric motor delivering 110 kW of output and 440 Nm of torque, providing a balance of efficiency, performance, and everyday usability.

A key highlight of the G6 was XPILOT, Xpeng’s proprietary Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance System. The system included Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Centering, automated parking, and remote summon functionality. Designed to enhance safety and convenience, XPILOT supported drivers while maintaining full driver responsibility in accordance with Level 2 autonomy standards.

Inside, the Xpeng G6 showcased a strong emphasis on digital integration and comfort. The cabin featured a 15.6 inch central touchscreen infotainment system, the XOPERA 2.0 premium sound system with 18 speakers, ventilated and massaging front seats, and dual glazed soundproof glass with active noise cancellation. These features collectively positioned the vehicle as a technologically advanced and comfort focused electric SUV.

Xpeng, the manufacturer of the G6, is a globally listed technology company headquartered in Guangzhou China and traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker XPEV. The company has evolved beyond traditional automotive manufacturing, expanding into artificial intelligence, robotics, and advanced mobility systems.

Its strategic partnership with the Volkswagen Group further reinforces its global positioning. In 2023, Volkswagen acquired a 4.99 percent stake in Xpeng and entered a joint development agreement focused on next generation electric vehicle platforms, highlighting strong industry confidence in Xpeng’s technological capabilities.

The Xpeng G6 is part of a broader innovation ecosystem developed by the company, which includes autonomous mobility research, humanoid robotics under its IRON platform, and flying vehicle development through its ARIDGE division. These initiatives reflect Xpeng’s long term vision of integrating physical AI across multiple modes of transport and intelligent systems.

For Sri Lanka, the launch of the G6 represents more than the introduction of a new vehicle model. It signals the entry of a globally significant technology brand into the local market, bringing with it advanced mobility solutions and new expectations for the EV ownership experience.

Evolution Auto emphasized that the introduction of the Xpeng G6 aligns with its long term commitment to expanding premium electric mobility options in Sri Lanka. The company noted that full aftersales support, service infrastructure, and customer experience enhancements would accompany the brand’s entry into the market.

As Sri Lanka continues its transition toward sustainable transportation, the arrival of the Xpeng G6 is expected to play a key role in shaping consumer expectations and accelerating adoption of intelligent electric vehicles in the premium segment.

Evolution Auto (Pvt) Ltd

Evolution Auto (Pvt) Ltd is the sole authorized distributor for Xpeng electric vehicles in Sri Lanka. The company operates a multi-brand showroom at R. A. De Mel Mawatha, Colombo 05, and provides full aftersales service through a dedicated multi-brand workshop with a fully stocked parts inventory.

Contact evolution auto on 0744112132 or visit www.xpeng.lk to learn more about evolution auto & Xpeng. 

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