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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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Evolution Auto Unveils the AVATR 07 Luxury Intelligent SUV in Sri Lanka

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Evolution Auto (Pvt) Ltd officially unveiled the all new AVATR 07 at an exclusive launch event held at the Sangam Ballroom, ITC Ratnadipa, introducing a new expression of luxury intelligent mobility to Sri Lanka.

Presented under the philosophy “Built for those who notice,” the AVATR 07 combines distinctive design, sophisticated comfort, advanced digital intelligence and innovative electric vehicle technology. Its introduction further strengthens Evolution Auto’s premium vehicle portfolio and reflects the company’s commitment to bringing globally recognised new energy vehicles to Sri Lankan motorists.

AVATR is built on the combined strengths of three globally established technology leaders: Changan Automobile, Huawei and CATL. Changan brings more than 160 years of automotive engineering and manufacturing heritage, while Huawei contributes advanced smart cabin technology, intelligent driving systems and connected vehicle capabilities. CATL, the world’s largest battery manufacturer, supports the brand with advanced battery and energy technology.

Designed under the direction of Chief Design Officer Nader Faghihzadeh, the AVATR 07 features elegant golden ratio proportions, sculpted bodywork and a confident road presence. Its aerodynamic exterior achieves an ultra low drag coefficient of 0.259, helping enhance efficiency while creating a sleek and futuristic appearance.

The AVATR 07 is powered by a rear mounted electric motor that produces 365 Nm of torque and is paired with an 82.16 kWh CATL lithium iron phosphate battery. It delivers a driving range of up to 575 kilometres under NEDC testing conditions, providing the flexibility required for both everyday urban travel and longer journeys.

As the automotive industry moves towards Software-Defined Vehicles, computing power is becoming increasingly important. TOPS (Trillion Operations Per Second) indicates a vehicle’s theoretical AI processing capability, with the AVATR 07 offering 100 TOPS, reinforcing its position as one of the smartest SUVs available in Sri Lanka. The system works together with a comprehensive 27 sensor array to continuously interpret the vehicle’s surroundings in real time.

Inside, the AVATR 07 presents a carefully crafted cabin designed around comfort, technology and personalisation. The interior features premium Nappa leather upholstery, a panoramic glass roof with an electric sun shade and industry-leading optical surround ambient lighting, creating a refined atmosphere for both drivers and passengers.

Dual zero gravity front seats equipped with an eight point SPA massage function provide enhanced comfort, particularly during longer journeys. The vehicle’s digital experience is led by a 35.4 inch 4K panoramic display and a 15.6 inch central touchscreen, giving occupants convenient access to information, entertainment and vehicle functions.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto enable seamless smartphone connectivity, while optional smart digital rear view mirrors further enhance visibility and the vehicle’s advanced driving experience. A 16 speaker Avatr Premium 7.1 sound system completes the cabin with an immersive audio experience.

Commenting on the launch, Group CEO of Evolution Auto, Mr. Virann De Zoysa, said:

“The introduction of the AVATR 07 represents an important milestone for Evolution Auto and Sri Lanka’s premium electric vehicle market. It brings together exceptional automotive engineering, intelligent technology, advanced battery innovation and a truly refined luxury experience. Through AVATR, we aim to offer discerning Sri Lankan customers a new standard of intelligent mobility, paired with the trusted sales and after sales experience of Evolution Auto.”

Customers of the AVATR 07 will be supported through Evolution Auto’s dedicated multi brand showrooms, specialised electric vehicle after sales facilities and nationwide Sterling After Care support network. This integrated support structure is designed to provide customers with professional guidance, reliable maintenance and greater confidence throughout their electric vehicle ownership journey.

With the launch of the AVATR 07, Evolution Auto continues to strengthen its position within Sri Lanka’s rapidly developing electric mobility sector while expanding the range of premium and technologically advanced vehicles available to local customers.

Combining sophisticated design, refined interior comfort, intelligent safety systems and advanced electric performance, the AVATR 07 introduces a bold new benchmark for luxury intelligent mobility in Sri Lanka.

Customers interested in experiencing the AVATR 07 may contact Evolution Auto for further information, call 0744112132 or visit www.avatr.lk for test drive reservations.

Evolution Auto: Sri Lanka’s largest Premium EV Portfolio

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TicketsMinistry Becomes the First Sri Lankan Built Ticketing Platform to Launch in the Gulf

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Sri Lankan online ticketing platform TicketsMinistry has launched operations in the United Arab Emirates, becoming the first Sri Lankan-built ticketing platform to enter the Gulf market.

Developed by Tickets M (Pvt) Ltd, TicketsMinistry has sold over 500,000 tickets across more than 1,000 events in Sri Lanka and works with over 600 event partners. The platform allows organisers to sell tickets online, manage entry and track sales in real time.

With the UAE launch, organisers of concerts, cultural shows, sporting events and community gatherings in the Emirates can now use the platform. The move is also expected to give the UAE’s large Sri Lankan community easier access to Sri Lankan concerts and cultural events.

“This is a proud moment for Sri Lankan innovation. Our platform was built by Sri Lankan talent, and it is now competing in one of the world’s most dynamic event markets. The UAE is the first step in our plan to grow TicketsMinistry into a global ticketing brand,” said Bhanuka Weerasinghe, Director of TicketsMinistry.

The company said it plans to expand into further international markets following the UAE launch.

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“Sri Lanka has my heart,” says youngest traveler to visit 195 countries

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Cameron Mofid, widely recognized as the youngest person to have visited all 195 countries, has praised Sri Lanka, describing it as a destination offering diverse experiences despite its relatively small size.

Speaking in a podcast episode shared on his social media, Mofid said he preferred his experience in Sri Lanka to those in Nepal and Malaysia.

“Sri Lanka has my heart. It’s like lush landscapes, beautiful. So much nature, wildlife, very underrated,” Mofid said.

“Sri Lanka is awesome. It’s so small but there is so much to do and see, it’s inexpensive and the people are awesome,” he added.

He also said he did not encounter pollution or scams during his time in Sri Lanka, unlike some other countries he visited.

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