People’s Bank and Lanka Securities join forces to launch Sri Lanka’s first integrated banking and share trading platform

People’s Bank Chairman Chandana Guniyangoda (left) and Lanka Securities Managing Director Kosala Gamage exchanging the agreement

In a bold move that redefines the digital banking landscape in Sri Lanka, People’s Bank has partnered with Lanka Securities Ltd., (LSL) to integrate share trading functionality into its flagship mobile wallet app, People’s Pay. This pioneering collaboration marks the first time in the local market that customers can seamlessly access both banking and equity trading services through a single digital platform.

The official launch of this initiative was held recently at the People’s Tower Auditorium, Colombo 02. The event was attended by People’s Bank Chairman Chandana Guniyangoda, Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) Chairman Senior Prof. D.B.P.H. Hareendra Dissabandara, People’s Bank Directors Gillian Edwards and Dr. Gishan Illangakoon, Chief Executive Officer/General Manager Clive Fonseka, Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) Chairman Dimuthu Abeyesekera, Chief Executive Officer Rajeeva Bandaranaike, Lanka Securities Managing Director Kosala Gamage members of the Bank’s corporate and executive management, corporate leaders, industry representatives, special invitees, and other officials.

With this innovation, People’s Pay users can now transfer funds between their bank accounts and CDS (Central Depository System) accounts, open new CDS accounts, view their investment portfolios alongside bank balances, and manage their equity transactions with unprecedented ease—all within the same app.

Commenting on the bank’s latest achievement, People’s Bank Chairman Chandana Guniyangoda said: “People’s Bank has always been leading from the front when it comes to initiatives that drive the nation’s progress. In line with the government’s digitalisation drive, the bank has yet again proven its commitment to spearhead the country’s digital journey by offering a meaningful, practical and an integrated solution that augurs well for an inclusive digital economy in the country”

“This is a historic leap in our journey to transform digital banking in Sri Lanka,” said People’s Bank CEO/General Manager Clive Fonseka. “Our partnership with Lanka Securities reaffirms our commitment to offering customers not just convenience, but a gateway to broaden their financial empowerment through intelligent, integrated solutions. It is yet another testament to the digital banking supremacy commanded by People’s Bank.”

The collaboration is set to benefit both institutions and customers. For People’s Bank, the integration opens a new revenue stream through shared income from trading activity and strengthens its market differentiation. For customers, it offers the benefits of equity investments, high liquidity, portfolio diversification, and direct access to the Colombo Stock Exchange—right from their smartphones. Further, People’s Pay app users who do not have a CDS account with Lanka Securities Ltd., can open one via People’s Pay app and commence their equity trading activities seamlessly.

Lanka Securities Ltd., Managing Director Kosala Gamage commented on the milestone: “We are proud to partner with a trusted institution like People’s Bank. Our combined strengths will deliver a comprehensive financial ecosystem that brings together convenience, transparency, and opportunity. This initiative is poised to democratize access to equity investments for thousands of Sri Lankans.”

Backed by LSL’s robust trading platform and research capabilities, and People’s Bank’s vast customer base and digital reach, this integration lays the groundwork for further financial innovations including bundled investment products, educational tools for financial literacy, and real-time portfolio management features.

As Sri Lanka embraces digital transformation, the People’s Pay–LSL integration represents a giant step toward a smarter, more inclusive financial future.