ComBank partners Payable to introduce ‘Soundbox’ for small business digital payments

Driven by its commitment to introduce the latest global technologies and continuously elevate the customer experience, Commercial Bank of Ceylon has announced the introduction of ‘Soundbox,’ an innovative audio-enabled digital payment acceptance device tailored for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). 

Powered by Mastercard and implemented in partnership with Payable Ltd., the Soundbox solution is designed to bring small and micro merchants, many of whom continue to rely predominantly on cash transactions, into the formal digital payments ecosystem through an affordable, simple, and efficient acceptance mechanism. 

These devices support acceptance across all major card networks and QR schemes available in the market, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of the country’s payment landscape.

Soundbox supports both contactless card payments and QR-based transactions, and provides real-time audio confirmation for every successful payment. The device announces each completed transaction, enabling merchants to verify payments instantly without interrupting their workflow. QR-based transactions will also benefit from immediate crediting, further enhancing liquidity for small businesses.

Commercial Bank Managing Director/CEO Sanath Manatunge said: “What makes this solution compelling is its ability to remove longstanding barriers to entry for small merchants by combining affordability with immediacy. By enabling instant onboarding, real-time transaction visibility, and multi-channel acceptance through a single device, we are equipping businesses with a practical tool to participate more competitively in an increasingly digital marketplace.”

Payable Co-Founder and CEO Yohan Wijesiriwardane explained: “At Payable, for over a decade, we have been building towards a single goal of ensuring that no merchant is left behind in Sri Lanka’s digital economy. Soundbox brings that vision to life. A small business owner who set up shop last week should have the same access to digital payments as the largest retailer in the country, and at a price point that makes sense for where they are today. That is what this partnership with Commercial Bank and Mastercard makes possible.”

Mastercard Country Manager – Sri Lanka Mahesha Amarasuriya said: “Mastercard’s focus is on driving secure, simple, and inclusive payment experiences empowering small businesses to thrive. The introduction of Soundbox with Commercial Bank and Payable is a significant step in expanding digital acceptance for Sri Lanka. Combining affordability with innovation, the milestone supports the country’s micro and small merchant ecosystem to embrace digital payments with confidence, strengthen financial inclusion and advance Sri Lanka’s journey toward a cash-lite economy.”

The Soundbox solution is particularly suited to merchants who have found traditional point-of-sale infrastructure costly or complex. By offering a significantly lower-cost alternative that combines multiple payment methods into a single device, Soundbox eliminates the need for multiple terminals while reducing checkout friction and improving operational efficiency.

The initiative reflects Commercial Bank’s continued leadership in digital innovation and its commitment to extending the benefits of secure, convenient, and inclusive financial services to underserved business segments. It also aligns with national priorities to accelerate digital adoption and reduce dependence on cash-based transactions.

Customers stand to benefit from faster, safer and more convenient payment experiences at neighbourhood businesses, while merchants gain access to reliable digital payment acceptance, reduced cash handling, enhanced transaction transparency and stronger customer trust. The introduction of Soundbox is expected to play a pivotal role in digitally empowering small businesses and deepening their integration into the formal financial system, the Bank said.