COMBANK enables point-of-sale use in Sri Lanka for UnionPay cards

Commercial Bank Deputy Chairman M.P. Jayawardena (left) and Shuan Ghaidan, Director Products, UnionPay International exchange the agreement in the presence of senior management of the two companies

The Commercial Bank of Ceylon has enabled point-of-sale (POS) usage for UnionPay cards, making it possible for cardholders of the world’s largest card base in circulation to pay for purchases at local retailers with these cards.

This will benefit visiting leisure and business travellers from China in particular by offering them the convenience of cashless payments in Sri Lanka. UnionPay cards have been accepted by Commercial Bank’s ATMs since 2012. Commercial Bank was the first Sri Lankan bank to link its ATMS with UnionPay.

The bank said EMV-enabled UnionPay cards also enjoy additional security following the upgrade of all Commercial Bank ATMs to offer significantly higher protection against counterfeit fraud. 

“Commercial Bank is constantly exploring ways to create convenience for everyone that uses our products and services. Enhancing the versatility of UnionPay cards in Sri Lanka is one example of this, Commercial Bank’s Chief Operating Officer S. Renganathan said.

“To date, UnionPay International has extended its card acceptance to 162 countries and regions with 42 countries and regions issuing UnionPay cards. We strive to provide our card users with high quality, efficient and secure payment services. There is significant increase in the number of Chinese tourists eager to travel to Sri Lanka. With UnionPay cards as their key method for payment overseas, we are confident that the collaboration between UnionPay International and Commercial Bank will lead to a win-win situation,” said Shuan Ghaidan, Product Director of UnionPay International.