Sampath Bank launches “Sampath pay for anything card” with Sony Felica technology

Monday, 27 January 2014 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Sampath Bank, the premier private commercial bank and the pioneer in innovation in the banking and financial sector in Sri Lanka, launched “Sampath Pay For Anything (SPFA) Card”, a NFC (Near Field Communication) enabled pre-paid card recently. This initiative was taken by the bank in keeping with the Government’s eGovernment policies which signify the effective use of ICT (Information and Communication Technology) by the Government for carrying out its main functions. Near field communication (NFC) is a set of standards for smart phones and similar devices to establish radio communication with each other by touching them together or bringing them into proximity, usually no more than a few inches. Present and anticipated applications include contactless transactions, data exchange, and simplified setup of more complex communications such as WiFi.

Explaining the mechanism of Sampath Pay For Anything Card (SPFA) Deputy General Manager, Marketing and Business Development Tharaka Ranwala said that the bank has a fully tested system to accommodate NFC based payment solutions approved by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. SPFA pre-paid card is user friendly, secure, devoid of handling cash and made for greater customer convenience. This card is manufactured by SONY FELICA Company and equipped with the highest security levels. Sampath Bank wants to extend its support to the economic development of the country by launching the products of this nature which would enhance the standards of the society. SPFA can be used for public transport sector, retail chains, fuel stations and any other industry as the bank has the capability to customize this solution to suit diverse requirements. Ranwala emphasised that the bank is willing to offer this as a solution to the public transport sector where the governing bodies are very keen to have such a system which benefits both bus owners and passengers. “Already a large number of private bus owners have expressed their willingness to join with us. Also there are numerous queries from other industries as well,” Ranwala said. Sampath Bank has assigned dedicated telephone lines to facilitate inquiries from the business fraternity of Sri Lanka such as bus owners, transport associations, taxi services, retail chains, shop owners etc. The contact numbers are 0777 747 853/0777 767 463 (public transport services) and 0777 794 527 (business merchants, tourist hotels and other services). SPFA card will come with multiple uses and undoubtedly it will be the cashless payment solution for all sectors in the near future.