Organized by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, the “Pay Digital Jaffna” awareness and introductory event was held very successfully today – on Friday 07 August 2026, at the Jaffna Cargills Square premises. The Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan, graced the event as the chief guest and also inaugurated his official digital payment tap transaction.
Speaking at the event, the Governor stated, “At a time when today’s world is advancing at the pace of the technological revolution, digital payments have become the heartbeat of the digital economy.” He also pointed out that this event serves as an important initiative that connects the three national policies being advanced by the government led by His Excellency the President Anura Kumara Dissanayake poverty eradication, Clean Sri Lanka, and digitalization with the daily lives of the people.
He further stated that, in a context where the world is rapidly transitioning from paper based currency systems to cashless payment systems, we, as a country and as a province aspiring to compete and progress alongside the world, must embrace this change. Noting that digital payments are not merely an alternative method but a modern economic framework that strengthens speed, security, transparency, and accountability, he also stated that this would greatly help achieve the national policy of “Clean Sri Lanka” by reducing malpractice and corruption while strengthening tax compliance.
Taking into consideration the steadily increasing number of domestic and international tourists visiting Jaffna, the Governor urged merchants, restaurants, accommodation providers, and service providers to adapt themselves to modern technologies. He also noted that by introducing international digital payment systems, tourists would be able to obtain services without any payment difficulties.
The event was attended by Vasantha Aluwis, Director of the Payments and Settlements Department of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka; S. Sivakaran, Additional District Secretary of Jaffna District Secretariat; Mrs. Bhakeerathi Senthilmaran, Regional Manager of the Kilinochchi Regional Office of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka; Marappana, Deputy Inspector General of Police for Jaffna District; senior officials of the Central Bank; representatives of government and private banks and institutions; and many members of the business community.
