HNB, the country’s leading merchant acquirer, has turned a new page in Sri Lanka’s digital transformation by facilitating digital payment acceptance solutions at highway toll gates—marking a significant milestone in the nation’s transport and fintech landscape.

In support of a national initiative to digitalise the payment ecosystem and enhance customer convenience through secure and seamless transactions, HNB partnered with the Road Development Authority (RDA) to introduce card payment acceptance at highway toll gates for the first time in Sri Lanka.

The pilot phase was launched at the Kottawa and Kadawatha interchanges on the Southern Expressway. The inaugural transaction was carried out by HNB Managing Director/CEO Mr. Damith Pallewatte and RDA Chairman Mr. T. Paskaran at the Kottawa interchange.

The payment solution is powered by HNB’s secure infrastructure and supports Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay International (UPI), LankaPay JCB, and American Express (Amex) cards. It offers a safe, fast, and inclusive payment experience to all commuters, regardless of their issuing bank. The service will be gradually extended across the entire highway network, further accelerating the nation’s journey toward digital inclusivity.