SLTDA embraces digital transformation by joining GovPay

In an initiative to modernise Sri Lanka’s tourism industry through digitalisation, the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) has joined GovPay – the Government’s digital payment platform. 

This integration enables seamless, secure, and hassle-free online payments for a wide range of SLTDA services, offering greater convenience to stakeholders across the tourism ecosystem.

As one of the country’s most vital industries, tourism lies at the heart of Sri Lanka’s economic revival. By embracing GovPay, SLTDA aims to streamline processes, reduce administrative hurdles, and create a more transparent and efficient business environment – further supporting the Government’s vision of positioning Sri Lanka as a world-class tourist destination powered by digital innovation.

This integration allows tourism industry operators across the country to pay the Tourism Development Levy including under-payments, defaults, and late payments seamlessly through their banks’ internet and mobile banking portals or any FinTech app connected to GovPay. Currently, digital payment platforms of 14 banks including Amana Bank, Bank of Ceylon, Cargills Bank, Commercial Bank, DFCC Bank, HNB, Nations Trust Bank, NDB Bank, National Savings Bank, Pan Asia Bank, People’s Bank, Sampath Bank, SDB Bank and Seylan Bank along with six FinTech apps including CIM by LB Finance, FriMi, Genie, Helapay, iPay and WEBXPAY, support payments to SLTDA via GovPay.

Launched in February 2025 under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, GovPay is a collaborative effort by the Information Communication Technology Agency (ICTA) and LankaPay which is aptly backed by the Digital Economy Ministry. Aimed to revolutionise the way the citizens access public services, since its launch, the platform has facilitated payments for 1,773 Government services, with a total transaction value exceeding Rs. 110 million. SLTDA is the 134th institution to have been onboarded GovPay.

SLTDA Chairman Buddhika Hewawasam said, “The launch of GovPay is a testament to our commitment to digital transformation and improving public services. By integrating with this platform, we expect a significant boost in efficiency across tourism-related transactions, making Sri Lanka an even more attractive destination for investors and visitors alike.”

The initiative also aligns with the Government’s broader vision of creating a digitally inclusive society. Chief Advisor to the President on Digital Economy Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya said, “I would like to congratulate the Chairman and Team of SLTDA, as they take this bold step towards cashless operations by connecting to the GovPay platform. GovPay is a pivotal Digital Infrastructure, based on which Government Institutions will transform their transaction Interface with citizens and businesses. It is truly rewarding for the teams at LankaPay and ICTA to receive the enthusiastic support and commitment of institutions such as the SLTDA in growing the impact and reach of this pan-government platform.”

ICTA Board Director Harsha Purasinghe further elaborated, “With TDL payments and license renewals now powered by GovPay, the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority is embracing digital payments in a way that delivers real value to the industry. This transformation not only saves time and effort for tourism institutions but also ensures a smoother, more reliable service experience for all stakeholders.”

As the operator of the national payment network and a key partner of GovPay, LankaPay operates the GovPay platform, ensuring the security and reliability of all transactions made via GovPay. LankaPay CEO Channa de Silva said, “Our role in GovPay underscores our commitment to fostering a cashless economy and promoting financial inclusion. With state-of-the-art security measures in place, we guarantee that all payments are processed securely and efficiently, offering unparalleled convenience, which is paramount to wider adoption of GovPay by both citizens and institutions.”

The initial rollout with SLTDA will focus on services linked to the Tourism Development Levy, with a phased expansion planned to include other payments. This collaborative effort among SLTDA, ICTA, and LankaPay demonstrates how public and private sector partnerships can deliver tangible benefits, advancing Sri Lanka’s digital economy while strengthening its tourism sector.