Sri Lanka has taken a significant step towards strengthening its digital payments ecosystem with the launch of the National QR Payment Adoption Programme by Anura Kumara Dissanayake. The initiative is complemented by the removal of the Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on LankaQR transactions of up to Rs. 5,000, easing the cost burden on small-scale merchants.

According to the President’s Media Division, financial institutions have eliminated MDR charges for eligible transactions, enabling merchants to accept digital payments without additional costs. The move is expected to drive wider adoption of QR-based payments across the country.

The launch event also marked the introduction of LankaQR person-to-person (P2P) and person-to-merchant (P2M) payment systems, expanding the digital transaction framework. This development supports Sri Lanka’s transition towards a more inclusive, cash-lite economy while enhancing convenience, transparency, and financial accessibility.