DFCC Bank digital payments are now being introduced to Sri Lanka’s public transport system through the deployment of POS terminals on buses, marking a significant step in the Transport Ministry’s plan to establish a cashless and modernised fare network.
DFCC Bank digital payments expand to buses under national transport modernisation
DFCC Bank has taken a major step in advancing Sri Lanka’s transition toward a digital economy by enabling card-based fare payments across the national bus network. Through the deployment of DFCC Point of Sale (POS) terminals, the bank has brought QR, credit, and debit card acceptance directly into public buses, supporting the Ministry of Transport’s comprehensive digitalisation initiative. The move aligns with the government’s long-term strategy to promote cashless mobility and strengthen financial transparency across essential service sectors.
As part of the implementation process, DFCC Bank will supply POS terminals to bus owners and operators based on the official operational guidelines issued by the Ministry. Each device comes with newly developed software that complies with national technical and regulatory standards. This ensures secure, real-time fare processing, which is expected to greatly enhance operational efficiency within bus fleets. In addition to the POS units, the bank has introduced an Electronic Ticket Issuing Machine in collaboration with certified ticketing application and hardware providers. This integrated solution is intended to streamline daily transactions for operators while improving service reliability for passengers.
Aasiri Iddamalgoda, Senior Vice President and Head of Retail & Business Banking at DFCC Bank, noted that the initiative marks an important milestone for the country’s transport sector. He highlighted the role of DFCC Bank in elevating passenger convenience and supporting operators with secure and predictable transaction management. He also emphasised that enabling card acceptance on buses strengthens commuter safety by reducing the reliance on cash handling, which has long been a challenge within the transport ecosystem.
The introduction of digital payments within public transportation is part of DFCC Bank’s broader plan to expand its digital service footprint. The bank already maintains extensive POS coverage across multiple industries, and the extension of this infrastructure into public transport reflects its commitment to supporting nationwide digital transformation. This development also reinforces the government’s digital economy roadmap by improving access to cashless payment channels across vital public services.
By enabling secure and seamless fare payments, the system is expected to offer significant benefits for commuters. The ability to tap or scan a card for fare settlement will reduce queues, minimise delays, and deliver a more predictable experience for passengers who previously relied solely on cash. The Transport Ministry expects the system to enhance accountability by recording all payments digitally, which in turn will support more accurate revenue tracking for operators.
For bus operators, the adoption of DFCC Bank digital payments creates an opportunity to improve financial management practices. Real-time transaction capture, enhanced security, and better reconciliation processes are expected to reduce revenue leakages and improve business confidence among fleet managers. With cashless systems becoming increasingly common across global transport sectors, Sri Lanka’s adoption of the technology positions the country in line with international best practices.
This digitalisation initiative also arrives at a time when the government is accelerating efforts to modernise vital infrastructure. The financial sector has been encouraged to support these reforms by expanding digital acceptance tools and boosting the availability of secure electronic payment channels. The partnership between DFCC Bank and the Ministry of Transport demonstrates the type of cross-sector collaboration needed to advance economic competitiveness and technology-driven public services.
The rollout of digital payments on buses is expected to progress in phases, with expanding coverage across both urban and regional routes. As POS terminals and ETIM devices become widely used, the transport sector is likely to experience long-term gains in efficiency, transparency, and passenger satisfaction. This represents a significant advancement for Sri Lanka’s mobility ecosystem and underscores the importance of partnerships between financial institutions and public agencies in driving national development.
DFCC Bank’s continued investments in digitalisation reflect its broader vision to support transformation across key economic sectors. With this initiative, the bank positions itself at the forefront of payment innovation while reinforcing the country’s shift toward a cashless future. As more buses adopt the system, commuters and operators alike are expected to benefit from a more modern, efficient, and secure transport environment.