Sri Lanka is on the brink of a digital payment revolution, and Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC is leading the charge as the first bank in the nation to introduce Google Pay. In a groundbreaking move, the bank has partnered with tech giant Google and global payment leader Visa to bring this cutting-edge mobile payment solution to its customers. But here’s where it gets exciting: this isn’t just about convenience—it’s a game-changer for the country’s financial future.
This collaboration marks a pivotal moment for Sri Lanka’s financial landscape, setting a new benchmark for secure and seamless digital transactions. Commercial Bank’s Visa cardholders now have exclusive access to Google Pay, giving them a head start in embracing this world-class technology. The integration combines Visa’s trusted global network and advanced tokenization technology with Google’s user-friendly interface and Commercial Bank’s robust digital banking platform, creating a payment experience like no other.
Here’s how it works: Visa debit and credit cardholders can effortlessly add their cards to Google Wallet, verify their identity through a one-time password (OTP) or a call center, and start making secure, contactless payments with a simple tap of their Android smartphone. No more fumbling for physical cards or cash—just a smooth, secure transaction at any contactless Point-of-Sale (POS) terminal, whether locally or globally. And this is the part most people miss: the technology behind this is incredibly secure. Commercial Bank has partnered with IDEMIA for tokenization, using Visa’s Token Service (VTS) to replace your actual card number with a unique digital token, ensuring your sensitive data is never exposed.
But is this the future of payments, or just a passing trend? Mr. Sanath Manatunge, Managing Director/CEO of Commercial Bank, believes it’s the former. He states, “This partnership with Visa and Google is a significant leap in our mission to enhance digital payment experiences for our customers. As Sri Lanka’s largest private sector bank, we’re not just adopting global innovations like tokenization—we’re shaping the country’s cashless future. This move strengthens our commitment to delivering secure, seamless, and contactless transactions anytime, anywhere. It’s not just about convenience; it’s about building a technologically advanced financial ecosystem for Sri Lankan consumers and businesses.”
Avanthi Colombage, Country Manager for Sri Lanka and Maldives at Visa, echoes this sentiment: “This launch is more than just a new payment option—it’s a transformative step for Sri Lanka’s payments landscape. By combining Visa’s global network, Google’s intuitive interface, and Commercial Bank’s strong local presence, we’re offering Sri Lankans a faster, more secure, and convenient way to pay. This partnership is about empowering millions with digital security, trust, and interoperability on an unprecedented scale.”
The rollout will begin with select card ranges, with plans to expand gradually. Commercial Bank, already recognized as the ‘Best Mobile Banking App’ in Sri Lanka by Global Finance, is doubling down on its commitment to digital innovation. By leveraging tokenization and next-generation payment technologies, the bank aims to strengthen consumer trust and accelerate digital adoption across the nation.
But here’s the controversial question: As Sri Lanka embraces this cashless future, will traditional payment methods become obsolete? And more importantly, how will this shift impact the unbanked population? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. Is this the beginning of a new era in digital payments, or are there challenges we’re not yet addressing? Let’s start the conversation!