Reaffirming its commitment to advancing Sri Lanka’s digital economy, iPay participated in the LankaQR Awareness Programme organised by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka on 5 and 6 June in Trincomalee, supporting efforts to accelerate the adoption of digital payments among businesses in the Eastern Province’s growing tourism sector.
The awareness programme focused on promoting the use of LankaQR-enabled payments among merchants and consumers across key tourism destinations, including Trincomalee, Uppuveli, Nilaveli, and Alles Garden. The initiative engaged tourism-related businesses, SMEs, retailers, restaurants, guesthouses, and service providers, encouraging greater participation in Sri Lanka’s expanding digital payments ecosystem.
As one of the country’s leading fintech platforms, iPay showcased how businesses can seamlessly adopt digital payment solutions through LankaQR. The iPay team interacted directly with merchants, demonstrating the capabilities of iPay Business and highlighting how digital payment acceptance can improve operational efficiency, enhance customer convenience, strengthen transaction security, and create new business opportunities.
With tourism continuing to play an increasingly important role in Sri Lanka’s economic recovery, the adoption of QR-based payment solutions is becoming essential for delivering smooth and secure payment experiences for both local and international visitors. Digital payments also help businesses minimise cash-handling challenges while offering customers faster, safer, and more convenient transaction options.
Commenting on the initiative, Kalhara Gamage, Head of iPay, said digital payment solutions have become an essential part of modern business operations.
"Digital payments are no longer an optional convenience but a business necessity. As Sri Lanka’s tourism industry continues to expand, merchants must be equipped to meet the expectations of increasingly digital-first consumers and international travellers," he said.
Today, iPay remains one of Sri Lanka’s leading digital payment platforms, accounting for more than 50% of the JustPay market, with over 1.2 million app downloads and more than 1.8 million transactions processed every month. Through initiatives such as the LankaQR Awareness Programme, iPay continues to support the country’s transition towards a more inclusive, secure, and digitally connected economy.
CHEC Begins Construction of Home Lands Skyline Pentara Residencies
China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) has officially commenced construction of Pentara Residencies by Home Lands Skyline, a premium twin-tower super high-rise residential development in Colombo 05, following a groundbreaking ceremony held at the project site.
The event brought together senior representatives from CHEC, Home Lands Skyline, project consultants, investors, and invited guests, marking the official transition of the development from the planning and design phase to full-scale construction.
As the project's construction partner, CHEC will leverage its global engineering expertise, high-rise construction capabilities, and extensive experience in delivering large-scale infrastructure and real estate developments. The company will play a key role in executing the project, particularly given its technical complexity and strategic location in one of Colombo’s most well-connected residential areas.
Pentara Residencies is a premium twin-tower residential development comprising 31-storey and 41-storey towers, with a total gross floor area of approximately 87,000 square metres. The development is designed to offer modern urban living while contributing to the transformation of Colombo’s skyline.
The commencement of construction marks a major milestone for the project and reflects the strong collaboration between CHEC, Home Lands Skyline, and the wider project team. It also demonstrates the confidence of stakeholders in delivering a high-quality residential development that will enhance Colombo’s evolving urban landscape.
Commenting on the occasion, Wang Gang, Managing Director of China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), said the company is proud to serve as the construction partner for the landmark project.
"Pentara Residencies by Home Lands Skyline is an important high-rise residential development in Colombo and CHEC is proud to serve as the construction partner for this project. A development of this scale requires strong engineering coordination, disciplined project management, and a clear commitment to quality and safety. Our partnership with Home Lands Skyline is built on a shared objective to deliver a project that meets high construction standards and creates long-term value for Colombo’s residential landscape," he said.
With construction now underway, Pentara Residencies is expected to become one of Colombo’s prominent residential developments, combining modern design, quality engineering, and premium living spaces while contributing to the city’s continued urban growth.
iPay Participates in LankaQR Awareness Programme in Trincomalee
