ComBank and UnionPay unlock superior privileges for Lankan travellers

Commercial Bank Managing Director/CEO Sanath Manatunge (right) and China UnionPay and UnionPay International Chairman Dong Junfeng at the signing of the agreement

Reinforcing its dedication to enhancing customer convenience and delivering exceptional value, the Commercial Bank of Ceylon has unveiled the UnionPay SplendorPlus Card, a premium addition to its UnionPay credit cards portfolio, created expressly to give Sri Lankan travellers a frictionless, highly cost-efficient payment experience, especially when travelling to China’s mainland. 

Developed in partnership with UnionPay International (UPI), the new card strengthens Commercial Bank’s position as the country’s leader in providing innovative and value-added payment solutions, and arrives at a time when China is fast becoming one of the most significant business and leisure destinations for Sri Lankans.

At the signing of the UnionPay SplendorPlus Card Agreement, Commercial Bank was represented by Managing Director and CEO Sanath Manatunge, Chief Operating Officer S. Prabagar, and Deputy General Manager – Personal Banking Sivasubramaniam Ganeshan. The UnionPay delegation was led by China UnionPay and UnionPay International Chairman Dong Junfeng accompanied by senior UPI officials including China UnionPay Merchant Services Payment Inc., President Shao Kuoyi, and UnionPay International General Manager – SEA Cai Huiming.

Commercial Bank Managing Director/CEO Sanath Manatunge said the launch of the SplendorPlus Card demonstrates the bank’s readiness to deliver advanced payment solutions to a rapidly globalising customer base. He noted that the new card reflects both organisations’ long-term commitment to serving outbound Sri Lankan travellers. “This collaboration elevates Commercial Bank’s position at the forefront of Sri Lanka’s card market. The SplendorPlus Card is designed to give our cardholders genuine financial advantages when travelling to China’s mainland, where digital payments dominate daily transactions. It will serve as a reliable and rewarding travel companion, making every purchase simpler, safer and more cost-effective,” he said.

The agreement was entered into during Chairman Dong Junfeng’s visit to Colombo, underscoring UnionPay International’s recognition of Sri Lanka as a strategically important market for its expansion and premium product strategy.

The UnionPay Commercial Bank Asia Prestige Platinum SplendorPlus Card represents a significant upgrade to the existing UnionPay Asia Prestige Platinum Card. The addition of the SplendorPlus mark signals a new tier of travel-focused benefits that directly address the needs of Sri Lankans navigating China’s heavily digital payment ecosystem, the bank said.

For travellers, the card provides meaningful financial relief through a guaranteed 1% basic cash rebate on eligible purchases made in China’s mainland, with rebates applicable on spending up to CNY 600 during the promotional period running until 31 December 2026. SplendorPlus also carries lifestyle privileges designed for convenience and comfort. Cardholders gain instant discounts at selected hotels within groups such as IHG and Marriott in China’s mainland, while elevated airport lounge access is available when qualifying spend thresholds are met. The card further provides savings on leading Chinese e-commerce platforms, including JD Worldwide and PinDuoDuo, and curated dining benefits across key travel hubs.

Commercial Bank’s strong leadership in card issuing and acquiring provides a powerful foundation for the SplendorPlus launch. ComBank cards are among the fastest-growing card bases in the country. Every card is equipped with Tap ‘n Go NFC capability and supported by one of Sri Lanka’s largest POS networks.

In addition to seasonal campaigns aligned with major festivals, Commercial Bank cardholders enjoy year-round benefits across essential and lifestyle categories, strengthening the value proposition of every card in the portfolio. The launch of the UnionPay SplendorPlus Card further expands these advantages, giving outbound travellers to China a purpose-built payment solution backed by the trust, scale and market leadership of Sri Lanka’s largest private sector bank.