The inaugural Sri Lanka FinTech Summit 2025 commenced today at the BMICH, bringing together global financial experts, leading innovators, investors, startups, and policymakers under the theme “Empowering Sri Lanka’s Digital Economy: Innovations Driving Financial Inclusion & Growth.”

The two-day summit, organized by Hatton National Bank (HNB), FinTech Forum Sri Lanka, and Tecxa (Pvt) Ltd, in collaboration with the Ministry of Digital Economy and the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, is set to chart a bold course for the nation’s digital future.

Gracing the opening ceremony were Dr. P. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, Eng. Eranga Weeraratne, Hon. Deputy Minister of Digital Economy, and Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, Chief Advisor to the President on Digital Economy, alongside distinguished dignitaries, regulators, and industry leaders.

Speaking at the inauguration, leaders emphasized the transformative role of FinTech in accelerating economic growth, driving financial inclusion, and positioning Sri Lanka as a regional digital hub. They highlighted the importance of innovation-friendly regulation, cross-sector collaboration, and sustainable finance models to unlock opportunities for communities across the island.

Day 1 featured high-level discussions on the future of digital payments, rural finance, blockchain, AI, digital assets, and sustainable finance, with sessions such as “Cross-Border Payments Innovation” and “Sustainable Finance & ESG-driven Regional Integration” underscoring Sri Lanka’s potential to attract global partnerships and investment.

A key highlight was the global launch of VISA Accept, a groundbreaking, world-first service launched by Visa right here in Sri Lanka to empower micro and small businesses to accept credit and debit card payments using only their smartphones, with no need for additional hardware or infrastructure, removing a key barrier to digital payment adoption and supporting financial inclusion at the grassroots level.

The summit positions Sri Lanka not only as a participant but as a leader in South Asia’s digital transformation journey, reinforcing the government’s vision of building a smart, inclusive, and future-ready digital economy.

As the nation’s landmark gathering on finance and technology, the Sri Lanka FinTech Summit 2025 is more than a dialogue it is a catalyst for action that sets the stage for stronger ecosystems, deeper collaborations, and long-term growth.

The Ministry of Digital Economy reaffirms its commitment to fostering an enabling environment where innovation thrives, and all Sri Lankans can benefit from the opportunities of digital finance.