UnionPay International (UPI), in collaboration with Bank of Ceylon (BOC) and SriLankan Airlines, is pleased to announce the enablement of UnionPay online payment acceptance on the official website of SriLankan Airlines, www.srilankan.com. This milestone enhances the airline’s payment options, offering greater convenience to all UnionPay cardholders to book SriLankan flights online.

With this enablement, UnionPay credit and debit cardholders can now make secure and seamless transactions when purchasing airline tickets via SriLankan Airlines’ website. The addition of UnionPay acceptance marks a significant step in expanding SriLankan Airlines’ payment ecosystem, catering to a growing number of Chinese travellers and further strengthening the airline’s position as Sri Lanka’s national carrier.

This enablement is a strategic move for UnionPay as it strengthens its footprint in Sri Lanka. The tie-up with SriLankan Airlines offers domestic UnionPay cardholders a valuable opportunity to use their cards for travel bookings, supporting UPI’s growth in the region.

“UnionPay is delighted to collaborate with Bank of Ceylon and SriLankan Airlines to enhance payment accessibility for our cardholders. This partnership aligns with our broader expansion strategy in Sri Lanka, providing domestic UnionPay cardholders and international travellers with a seamless payment experience. As a key merchant, Sri Lankan Airlines plays an essential role in supporting our issuance business and driving greater adoption of UnionPay in the market,” said Mr. Crispin Wijesekera, Country Manager of Sri Lanka & Maldives, UnionPay International.

Mr. Y A Jayathilake, Acting General Manager/ Chief Executive Officer Bank of Ceylon said, “We are excited to enable UnionPay’s online acceptance for SriLankan Airlines. This initiative not only improves the airline’s payment options but also strengthens Sri Lanka’s payment infrastructure, fostering digital transactions and aligning with our vision of a cashless economy.”

Dimuthu Tennakoon. Head of Commercial at SriLankan Airlines stated, “As the national carrier of Sri Lanka, we strive to enhance the travel experience for our customers, from flight booking to completing their journeys. By enabling UnionPay card acceptance, we provide a more inclusive and seamless payment experience, making it easier for international travellers to book their flights conveniently.”

To celebrate this launch, UnionPay and SriLankan Airlines are in discussions to introduce a special promotional campaign for UnionPay cardholders. More details will be shared soon.