In a bold move that redefines the digital banking landscape in Sri Lanka, People’s Bank has partnered with Lanka Securities Pvt Ltd (LSL) to integrate share trading functionality into its flagship mobile wallet app, People’s Pay. This pioneering collaboration marks the first time in the local market that customers can seamlessly access both banking and equity trading services through a single digital platform.

The official launch of this initiative was held recently at the People’s Tower Auditorium, Colombo 02. The event was attended by People’s Bank Chairman Chandana Guniyangoda; Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka Chairman Senior Professor D.B.P.H. Hareendra Dissabandara; People’s Bank Directors Gillian Edwards and Dr. Gishan Illangakoon; Chief Executive Officer/General Manager Clive Fonseka; Colombo Stock Exchange Chairman Dimuthu Abeyesekera; Chief Executive Officer Rajeeva Bandaranaike; Lanka Securities Managing Director Kosala Gamage; members of the Bank’s corporate and executive management; corporate leaders; industry representatives; special invitees; and other officials.

With this innovation, People’s Pay users can now transfer funds between their bank accounts and CDS (Central Depository System) accounts, open new CDS accounts, view their investment portfolios alongside bank balances, and manage their equity transactions with unprecedented ease—all within the same app.

Commenting on the bank’s latest achievement, Mr. Chandana Guniyangoda, Chairman of People’s Bank said “People’s Bank has always been leading from the front when it comes to initiatives that drive the nation’s progress. In line with the government’s digitalization drive, the bank has yet again proven its commitment to spearhead the country’s digital journey by offering a meaningful, practical and an integrated solution that augurs well for an inclusive digital economy in the country”

“This is a historic leap in our journey to transform digital banking in Sri Lanka,” said Mr. Clive Fonseka, CEO/General Manager of People’s Bank. “Our partnership with Lanka Securities reaffirms our commitment to offering customers not just convenience, but a gateway to broaden their financial empowerment through intelligent, integrated solutions. It is yet another testament to the digital banking supremacy commanded by People’s Bank.”

The collaboration is set to benefit both institutions and customers. For People’s Bank, the integration opens a new revenue stream through shared income from trading activity and strengthens its market differentiation. For customers, it offers the benefits of equity investments, high liquidity, portfolio diversification, and direct access to the Colombo Stock Exchange—right from their smartphones. Further, People’s Pay app users who do not have a CDS account with Lanka Securities Pvt Ltd. can open one via People’s Pay app and commence their equity trading activities seamlessly.

Mr. Kosala Gamage, Managing Director of Lanka Securities Pvt Ltd, commented on the milestone: “We are proud to partner with a trusted institution like People’s Bank. Our combined strengths will deliver a comprehensive financial ecosystem that brings together convenience, transparency, and opportunity. This initiative is poised to democratize access to equity investments for thousands of Sri Lankans.”

Backed by LSL’s robust trading platform and research capabilities, and People’s Bank’s vast customer base and digital reach, this integration lays the groundwork for further financial innovations including bundled investment products, educational tools for financial literacy, and real-time portfolio management features.

As Sri Lanka embraces digital transformation, the People’s Pay–LSL integration represents a giant step toward a smarter, more inclusive financial future.

Lanka Securities Pvt Ltd, established in 1989, is a licensed member of the Colombo Stock Exchange and a leading stockbroking firm in Sri Lanka. Renowned for its dynamic and experienced sales team, the firm caters to local and foreign, retail, high-net-worth, and institutional clients with personalized and innovative investment solutions. Backed by the robust corporate finance expertise of its shareholders—Bank of Ceylon, Merchant Bank of Sri Lanka, and First Capital Securities Corporation (Pakistan)—Lanka Securities offers a fully integrated trading experience supported by a cutting-edge IT infrastructure and a comprehensive research division.

People’s Bank is one of Sri Lanka’s leading licensed commercial banks, managing an asset base exceeding LKR 3.7 trillion. With the country’s largest banking network of 746 branches and service centres, the Bank serves over 15.2 million customers with a workforce of over 7,200. To enhance customer convenience, People’s Bank operates over 300 Self Banking Units (SBUs), providing 24/7 access to essential banking services without the need to visit a branch.

As a trailblazer in Sri Lanka’s banking sector, People’s Bank has been the leader in digital banking with over 4,000,000 digital banking users. With a strong focus on innovation and strategic partnerships, the bank has achieved the ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification, making it the first state-owned bank in the country to do so. This certification demonstrates the bank's commitment to safeguarding customer data and complying with regulatory requirements.

As a key driver of Sri Lanka’s socio-economic progress, People’s Bank continues to set industry benchmarks through its customer-centric approach and commitment to maintain its digital banking leadership.