President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has called on officials to drive society toward more efficient practices, as he inaugurated the “National QR Payment Promotion Programme,” a key step in advancing the country’s digital economy.
Speaking at the launch, the President stressed the need for a nationwide shift toward digital transactions to address complex social and economic challenges. He noted that a central goal of the initiative is to transition the informal economy into a more structured and formal system.
Highlighting the government’s broader vision, he stated that Sri Lanka aims to build a $15 billion digital economy through comprehensive digitalization across sectors. However, he acknowledged that while the public is highly engaged in transactions, the real challenge lies in encouraging widespread adoption of new digital systems.
Reflecting on public perceptions, the President pointed out that QR technology has often been associated with restrictions, particularly due to its past use in fuel rationing and proposed applications in fertilizer distribution. This, he said, has shaped a mindset that views QR codes as a symbol of limitation rather than convenience.
To counter this, he emphasized the importance of a targeted educational programme to reshape public understanding and build trust in QR-based systems.
Expressing optimism about the initiative, the President said the measures being introduced would help rapidly popularize QR payments across the country. He also underscored the critical role of banks and financial institutions in promoting adoption.
He further suggested leveraging the upcoming Sinhala and Tamil New Year as a turning point, encouraging businesses to integrate QR-based payments into festive transactions.
According to the President, if digital payment methods are made attractive and convenient, the public will readily embrace them, paving the way for a more modern and efficient economic landscape.
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