Sampath Bank, first local bank to accept Alipay payments

Sampath Bank has become the first bank in the country to partner with Alipay, the world’s largest online and offline payment platform operated by Ant Financial Services Group.

This latest partnership will allow Sampath Bank’s local merchant partners to tap into the multitude of incoming tourists from China and the considerable number of Chinese nationals living and working in Sri Lanka. It will also provide Chinese nationals in the country with greater convenience as they will be able to use Alipay to pay for goods and services in Sri Lanka, the bank said in a media release.

“This (new) partnership offers the growing number of Chinese nationals visiting and residing in Sri Lanka a secure and convenient means to pay for their purchases in the island, thereby helping local merchants boost sales volumes and earn more,” said Ajith Salgado, Group Chief Information Officer (CIO), Sampath Bank PLC.

Merchants offering Alipay as a payment option in their store will receive settlements in Sri Lankan rupees. They can integrate it into their existing point-of- sales machines or simply use the Alipay mobile app.

Dr.Cherry Huang, General Manager of Alipay Cross-Border Business, South and South East Asia (SSEA) said, "Alipay is an ideal payment option for Chinese travellers who seek the unique adventure and cuisine Sri Lanka has to offer. Alipay also helps to bring the seamless payment experience Chinese consumers enjoy at home to overseas destinations. We are looking forward to working with local partners to expand the local merchant network, to benefit both the local economy and Chinese tourists."

Interblocks is the technology provider that facilitated the integration of Alipay with Sampath Bank’s systems.