Sri Lanka is positioning itself as an emerging destination for financial technology, seeking to transform its advanced digital payment infrastructure into a catalyst for innovation, investment and wider economic growth.

The ambition was highlighted at the launch of the inaugural Sri Lanka FinTech Festival 2026, organised by FinTech Forum Sri Lanka in collaboration with the Ministry of Digital Economy. The two-day event, scheduled for 2 and 3 November at Shangri-La Colombo, is expected to connect Government institutions, regulators, banks, FinTech companies, investors and international industry leaders.

Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eng. Eranga Weeraratne emphasised the importance of trust and collaboration in accelerating the adoption of digital financial services. Chief Adviser to the President and ICTA Chairman Dr Hans Wijayasuriya highlighted the role of interconnected digital infrastructure in enabling innovation and expanding financial access.

Ministry of Digital Economy Secretary Waruna Sri Dhanapala stressed the need to balance innovation with security, accountability and regulatory clarity, while FinTech Forum Sri Lanka Chairman Channa de Silva said greater international visibility was essential to translate Sri Lanka’s technological capabilities into investment and global opportunities.

Sri Lanka already possesses a substantial digital payments foundation. Real-time gross settlements exceeded Rs. 429 trillion in 2025, while real-time payments surpassed Rs. 23 trillion. More than 460,000 merchants are registered with LankaQR.

The FinTech Festival will feature CEOs Night, an international keynote, expert discussions, an exhibition and FinTech Awards. Global banking and FinTech commentator Chris Skinner has been announced as a keynote speaker.

The initiative is expected to strengthen Sri Lanka’s international FinTech visibility while supporting investment, financial inclusion, entrepreneurship and opportunities for local technology companies to enter regional and global markets.