A first for Sri Lanka: HNB and RDA introduce card payments on expressways

HNB Managing Director/CEO Damith Pallewatte performs the first official card-based toll payment at the Kottawa interchange, marking the launch of Sri Lanka’s inaugural card-enabled expressway payment system, introduced in partnership with the RDA

HNB Managing Director/CEO Damith Pallewatte (second from left) and RDA Chairman T. Paskaran (far left) attend the official launch of Sri Lanka’s first card-based toll payment system at the Kottawa interchange

HNB Chief Operating Officer Sanjay Wijemanne (left) exchanging MoU with RDA Chairman T. Paskaran in the presence of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Minister Bimal Rathnayake and officials from HNB and RDA 

HNB PLC, Sri Lanka’s leading private sector bank, has announced a partnership with the Road Development Authority (RDA) to launch the island’s first card-based toll payment system, marking a significant step forward in enhancing commuter convenience and modernising national transport infrastructure. 

The pilot phase of the initiative was officially launched on 11 April at the Kottawa and Kadawatha interchanges on the Southern Expressway.

The initiative follows the official agreement signed on 9 April between HNB and the RDA at the Transport, Highways, Ports, and Civil Aviation Ministry. HNB was selected to power the project through a competitive tender process. As part of the rollout, motorists will now be able to pay toll charges using credit and debit cards directly at highway booths — a departure from the previously cash-only model. 

Enabled via HNB’s secure card acceptance infrastructure, the system supports Visa, Mastercard, American Express (Amex), and LankaPay JCB cards, offering secure and seamless payment experiences to customers. Importantly, the service is available to all cardholders of all Sri Lankan banks, and will be rolled out across the entire highway network.

HNB Managing Director/CEO Damith Pallewatte led the first official card-based transaction at the launch event and underscored the bank’s commitment to simplifying everyday journeys for the public. “This initiative is another compelling example of how technology can help enhance everyday payments, making them quick and hassle-free. At scale, this technology also enables greater efficiency, cutting road congestion, and supports Sri Lanka’s transformation into a cashless, future-ready economy.”  Also speaking at the event, HNB Chief Operating Officer Sanjay Wijemanne said: “Implementing a digital, card-based toll system gives us a powerful opportunity to optimise travel within Sri Lanka. The introduction of cashless toll payments also creates opportunities for the deployment of advanced monitoring and analytics, allowing us to predict and streamline management of traffic on Sri Lankan highways. Working closely with the RDA, we are setting a new benchmark for operational excellence in public infrastructure.”

“As we move towards a fully digital future, this collaboration underscores HNB’s commitment to driving innovation in everyday services. This transition to card-based toll payments not only simplifies the travel experience for motorists but also sets the foundation for a modern, cashless infrastructure across Sri Lanka’s expressways.”

Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Minister Bimal Rathnayake commented: “Our aim has always been to make public services simpler and more accessible. Partnering with HNB to introduce card payments on expressways is a meaningful step in that direction. It’s a practical upgrade for commuters and a move that reflects our broader push towards modernising infrastructure through digital solutions.”

The launch marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of Sri Lanka’s expressway infrastructure, as the nation moves toward a digital-first future for public utilities and services.