Sri Lankans will soon be spared the long hours spent at State agencies queuing to make payments for various services. As part of its ongoing digitisation efforts, the Government has taken a major leap forward with the launch of the ‘GovPay’ service.
Initially introduced as a pilot project in April 2024, this timely initiative aims to streamline financial transactions with Government institutions. The official launch, last Friday, marks a key milestone in Sri Lanka’s digital transformation journey.
While the project is being jointly implemented by the Ministry of Digital Economy, the Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA), and LankaPay, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has also stepped in to ensure the security of the payment platform and foster public trust in its operations.
What is GovPay?
GovPay, as detailed on its official website govpay.lk, is an online payment platform designed to facilitate seamless digital transactions for Government services. People and businesses could make secure and convenient payments for a range of services, including taxes, fines, utility bills, educational fees, and other charges, using banks and digital wallets. The platform will initially integrate 16 Government institutions.
Another 30 institutions are set to join in two subsequent phases, with full implementation expected by April 2025. This phased rollout aims to create a seamless and user-friendly experience, allowing citizens to complete transactions via popular fintech applications and online banking platforms.
GovPay has already partnered with nine leading commercial banks, including the Bank of Ceylon, People’s Bank, National Savings Bank, Hatton National Bank, Commercial Bank, Sampath Bank, Seylan Bank, DFCC Bank, NDB Bank, NTB Bank, Cargills Bank, and PAN Asia Bank. Fintech applications such as iPay and HelaPay are expected to join soon, expanding digital payment options and enhancing convenience. The long-term goal is to bring all Government institutions under a unified digital payment system.
Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eranga Weeraratne highlighted that cash transactions cost Sri Lanka approximately 1.5 percent of its annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP). He said that reliance on cash payments contributes to fraud, corruption, and inefficiencies within the system.
To address these issues, the Government is pushing to digitise all payments made to State institutions as swiftly as possible.
Speaking at the launch, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake underscored the critical role of technology in improving people’s lives by delivering efficient, high-quality, and cost-effective services.
He said that throughout history, technological progress has driven societal advancement, and Sri Lanka must embrace such transformations without delay. He said that the failure to implement digital policies earlier has hindered economic progress and public welfare.
What’s next?
The GovPay platform is being rolled out in carefully planned phases to ensure a smooth transition for users. By April, another 30 institutions will be integrated into the system.
The Ministry of Digital Economy has assured that the implementation strategy prioritises user experience, allowing seamless transactions through financial technology applications and online banking.
Senior Advisor to the President on Digitalisation and Chairperson of the ICTA, Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, told the launch that Sri Lanka already possesses 75 percent of the skills to build a robust digital economy. However, he stressed that bridging the remaining gaps is essential, with the aim of completing the process within the next three years.
The introduction of GovPay is expected to modernise revenue collection, ensuring greater control, accuracy, security, and transparency in Government financial transactions. Promoting digital payments will not only reduce labour costs and inefficiencies but also help curb corruption while delivering a more convenient and efficient service for the public.
Deputy Minister Weeraratne reaffirmed that this initiative is not just about modernisation, it is about creating a more accountable and effective Government.
