Wednesday Feb 05, 2025
Wednesday Feb 05, 2025
Friday, 20 December 2013 00:59 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
By Shabiya Ali Ahlam
Sri Lanka yesterday saw the debut of its first-ever Near Field Communication (NFC)-enabled multifunction payment card via a groundbreaking initiative by HNB with Visa, Airtel and two other leading partners.
Branded HNB One, and approved by the Central Bank, the product is a Visa Debit Card upgraded to have a prepaid component. As the unique feature makes it a ‘combo’ card, the objective of HNB One is to facilitate speed in transactions.
While the debit card feature will function in the regular manner, the NFC-enabled prepaid component will allow transactions to be simple and quick with its ‘tap and go’ functionality. The multiple applications include toll payments in the transport industry, drive-through areas of fast food outlets and fuel stations, to name a few.
Aimed at enhancing customer convenience, the solution is powered by Sony Felica, the market leader in NFC-enabled payment card technologies, and Smart Metro, which is providing the NFC-enabled terminals.
The solution was unveiled to the media yesterday at a conference attended by HNB Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Alles, Bharti Airtel Lanka CEO Suren Goonewardene and Smart Metro Director Chandana Wijesooriya.
In addition to providing access to HNB savings and current accounts, customers can also access their prepaid account with HNB One, where fund transfers can be made between accounts through HNB’s extensive ATM and branch network.
The bank stated that while the combo cards will be issued from January 2014, all 1.2 million HNB debit cards will be replaced by HNB One.
HNB noted that in line with its strategy to develop the NFC infrastructure in Sri Lanka, the bank will also support payment card acquiring by replacing its extensive Point of Sale (POS) network with NFC-enabled machines for merchants in the near future.
While highlighting the unique feature of HNB One at the launch event, HNB Chief Operating Officer Dilshan Rodrigo stated it would serve multiple purposes. “HNB One will serve as an ATM card, a debit card and a shopping card. In the future it will be an all-in-one access control card which relieves customers from carrying many cards, hence lighter on the purse,” he said.
HNB Head of Payments Cards and Electronic Delivery Channels Mangala Wickramasinghe added that HNB One was a carefully-thought-out strategic initiative to provide customers with more choice and convenience.
“This all-purpose card is equivalent to carrying several cards and can also be used on Visa’s worldwide payment network. With HNB One, the bank will lead and drive the nation’s banking industry towards innovation and new technologies,” expressed Wickramasinghe.
Commenting on the technical aspect of HNB One, Wickramasinghe emphasised the card is secure in every way for transactions.
“HNB was keen to select this technology (NFC from Sony Felica) due to its superior security features and wide range of applications. The technology used has never been compromised at any point, anywhere in the world. The bank’s first priority was to provide a secure, safe and authentic transaction platform for its customers,” he noted.
Sony Felicia added to this by stating that the card would have secure wireless communication technology operating in 13.59 MHz over a short distance of about maximum 10cm. This will provide greater transaction speed of 0.1 seconds or less.
Meanwhile, Bharti Airtel CEO/MD Suren Goonewardene observed that the telecom giant being associated in this venture was in line with its constant endeavour and commitment to introduce services that are current, innovative and relevant for customers.
“While we believe that this will contribute positively towards the development of the national infrastructure and economy in Sri Lanka, we hope all Sri Lankans would reap the benefit from this venture as we strive to enrich their lives with modern technology and convenience,” said Goonewardene.
