March 30, 2023
JCB-cards-launch-LBN.jpg

9min

 



 

 

Sri Lanka’s payment cards domain took a giant leap today when the Commercial Bank of Ceylon in collaboration with LankaPay launched a national credit and debit card with international acceptance.

This National Card Scheme is an initiative implemented by LankaPay in partnership JCB International Co. Ltd, the Japan-based international card, with over 150 million cardholders around the world.

This is the first launch of LankaPay Credit Cards in Sri Lanka and the first time five variants of LankaPay cards — three credits cards and two debit — cards were launched by a Sri Lankan Bank.

LankaPay Card is an internationally accepted card, which is cost-effective and equipped with the latest technology and highest security features. All domestic transactions via LankaPay cards are routed locally and when the cards are used overseas the transactions are routed via the JCB International network.  This initiative will ensure that no foreign exchange outflow takes place for any local card transaction, which could potentially save the country a considerable amount of foreign exchange, the Bank said.

The commencement of the issuance of LankaPay cards by Commercial Bank in Sri Lanka was celebrated at an event in Colombo at which senior representatives of Commercial Bank, LankaPay and  JCB, emphasised the value of the additional width of the payment options, value-added services and customer choice the new card will offer ComBank cardholders.

LankaPay cards issued in Sri Lanka by Commercial Bank will feature dual interface functionality, enabling both contact and contactless transactions at point-of-sale terminals connected to the LankaPay payment network. The cards can also be used at all automated teller machines (ATMs) linked to the LankaPay platform and over 42,000 merchant points island-wide. The card will enable Sri Lankans to enjoy JCB’s global merchant network comprising of more than 41 million acceptance locations. The Bank will issue LankaPay branded credit cards in the Platinum, Gold and Classic tiers while the debit cards will be in the Platinum and Classic tiers. The debit card will be the first dual interface card in the country where the user can perform both contactless and contact-enabled transactions at any Point of Sale (POS) device.

Speaking at the launch of the ComBank-LankaPay cards, Commercial Bank Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer Mr. Sanath Manatunge said: “We are delighted to offer LankaPay credit and debit cards under National Card Scheme with both local and global acceptance and support a national initiative which is more pertinent now than ever before. Commercial Bank has been associated with JCB for several years and was one of the first banks in Sri Lanka to acquire both LankaPay Cards and JCB cards under the National Card Scheme. JCB cards have also been accepted at our ATMs for the past four years. We believe that this partnership will further strengthen our relationship with JCB while supporting the national economy at a critical time.”

Speaking at this occasion, LankaPay GM/CEO Mr Channa de Silva said: “The launch of ComBank LankaPay cards in Sri Lanka is a giant leap in furtherance of our quest to empower every Sri Lankan with faster, convenient, secure and affordable payment solutions, thereby creating financially inclusivity. LankaPay is committed to bring best-of-breed solutions to Sri Lanka’s national payment infrastructure and has been at the forefront in revolutionizing the country’s banking and financial services sector by keeping the elements ‘innovation’ and ‘convenience’ at its core. We are delighted to have Commercial Bank aboard to issue LankaPay Credit/Debit cards, which will no doubt give a fresh impetus to this initiative of national significance.”

Representing JCB at the event, the company’s Executive Vice President Mr Koya Sakuma said: “JCB has been the leading credit card company in Japan for 50 years and a global payment brand for 30 years. We provide an unparalleled experience for our partners and their customers. Our flexible approach with our partners allows us to exceed expectations, which in turn, helps customers achieve their aspirations. We are excited to have partnered with LankaPay to issue the first ever LankaPay Credit Card under the national card scheme together with Commercial Bank. We are proud to be a partner in this monumental venture.

Commercial Bank joined the common ATM switch of LankaPay in 2014. In 2019, Commercial Bank on boarded the LankaPay Common POS Switch System and became one of the first banks in Sri Lanka to have its point-of-sale network accept LankaPay cards. Later that year, it upgraded its ATM network to accept JCB cards issued outside Sri Lanka for the withdrawal of cash to service the growing number of tourists and business professionals visiting the country, especially from Asia where JCB has a large number of card members.

A pioneer in the Japanese payment industry, JCB International has been committed to expanding its international presence since 1981. It offers a suite of high-quality products and services that meet the diverse needs of customers worldwide. LankaPay cardholders will also be entitled to enjoy the preferential treatment other JCB customers receive worldwide such as travel discounts and airport lounge services.

As the national payment network that functions under the guidance and supervision of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL), LankaPay is considered one of the best Public Private Partnerships (PPP) in the region. The entity is owned by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka along with other licensed public and private commercial banks operating in the country. LankaPay has contributed immensely towards minimising the overall cost structure within the financial sector through a common infrastructure, making digital financial services accessible and affordable to everyone.

Commercial Bank cards are the market leader in Sri Lanka with a market share of over 23%. The Bank offers a variety of credit cards in the Silver, Gold and Platinum tiers and a variety of cards in the premium segment. The cards are equipped with ‘Tap ’n Go’ NFC technology and are backed by a strong NFC Point-of-Sale (POS) network. ComBank Cards offer an exciting array of promotions and offers across all categories and also offer the Max Loyalty Rewards scheme for selected card categories covering both credit and debit cards.

Sri Lanka’s first 100% carbon neutral bank, the first Sri Lankan bank to be listed among the Top 1000 Banks of the World and the only Sri Lankan bank to be so listed for 12 years consecutively, Commercial Bank operates a network of 270 branches and 950 automated machines in Sri Lanka. Commercial Bank is the largest lender to Sri Lanka’s SME sector and is a leader in digital innovation in the country’s Banking sector. The Bank’s overseas operations encompass Bangladesh, where the Bank operates 20 outlets; Myanmar, where it has a Microfinance company in Nay Pyi Taw; and the Maldives, where the Bank has a fully-fledged Tier I Bank with a majority stake.

 



 

 


November 14, 2017
promo.jpg

5min

The festive season is upon us and more than 200 exciting brands have signed on to offer incredible discounts to Commercial Bank’s Credit and Debit cardholders, over the next six weeks.

Valid till end December 2017,these offers cover holidays at prominent hotels and resorts around the country, overseas vacation packages and shopping at some of the Sri lanka’s most popular clothing, shoes, jewellery, accessories, cosmetics, sportswear, and homeware outlets.

Discounts on payment by Commercial Bank Credit cards range from 20% to 55% and from 10% to 50% on Debit cards, for shopping on specific days during the promotion, with some retail outlets offering discounts on two to four days and others for periods of up to 16 days.

Participating retailers and brands this year include United Colors of Benetton, Urban Trends, Fashion Gate Pvt Ltd, Steel Blue, 7 Stories Ranjanas, Aditi, Amante (MAS Brands), Diliganz, Genelle Shoes & Bags, House of Fashion, Midnight Divas, Skechers, The Face Shop, TFO, Selyn Handloom, Cotton Collection, Leather Collection, Plus Collection, Kids Lands (Pvt) Ltd, Galleria, Nike, Levis, Tommy Hilfiger, Mango, Fossil, Mother Care, Crocs, Giordano, Splash, Pepe Jeans, Warehouse, Bata, Dilly & Carlo, Hi Life, Jocky, Samanmal Traders, Ashee Collection, Aurora, Choice Park, Karat, Cool Kidz, Mangala Tex, Molly Boulevard, Reechillie, Ruth Styles, Supul Collection, Sunimal’s, Fashion Bug, Haamaa, Kreations, Prasad fashion, Prasad Textile, Cloud 7, DI Leather, Embark, London Stores, Nimosa, Rickway , Brand Warehouse, CIB Shopping, Dress Factory, Glory Swimwear, Hiru Qlo Fashion Unlimited, IDEAL Exclusive, Mondy, New Sriyani Dress Point, Rainbow Clothing, Ramona’s, Saree Mandir, Shirtworks, Crocodile, Softwave, Wijaya Saree Mandir, Romafour, Vol Square, Sarathchandra Textile, The Kids Warehouse, Kids Hub, Adidas, Envoy, Hameedia, Signature, The Raymond Shop, Cool Planet, Double XL, Basics, Kamsins, Much More, RV Fashions, The Outlet Stores, Beverly Street, DRESSMO, Spring & Summer, Andhum Andhum, Chamathkara Clothing, DSI, Arrow, Aurelia, Clarks, Jessica, Puma, Reebok, US Polo Assn, ESKÉ Woman, Forum, Priyantha Tex, Triumph, Velona, and Avirate for clothing.

Partner jewellery and accessory retailers include Raja Jewellers, Jewel Laurel, RLJ Jewellery, Turret, Ravi Jewellers, Devi Jewellery, Mallika Hemachandra, Swarnamahal Jewellers, Muthukaruppan Chettiar Jewellers, New Saravanas Jewellers, Nileka Jewellery, Aminra Collection, Fior Drissage, Chamathkara Jewellery, Vogue Jewellers, Glitteray.com, Fashionmarket.lk, LuvEsence, and The Parfumerie.

Zero interest instalment holiday packages and plans are offered in collaboration with Aitken Spence Travels, BG Air Services, Classic Travel, Continents & Oceans, Crystal Travels & Tours, Dream Holidays, Gabo Travels, Hayleys Travels, Holiday Plan DMC (Pvt) Ltd, Hemas Travels, Jetwing Holidays, Mackinnons Travels, NKAR, Rameca Travel & Leisure, Spartan Travels Pvt Ltd and Travel7.

Sheri Louise, Wickramarachi, Comfort World, Hants, Neeliyas, VLCC, Yamaha Music Center, Celcius, Glory Fitness and CIB Curtains too will be offering discounts on Combank cards.

Besides offering the ideal shopping spree opportunity to buy gifts for the festive season, and a chance to embark on exciting holidays, these promotions significantly enhance the benefits already offered by ‘Comdeals,’ a programme which provides value addition to Commercial Bank Cardholders through discounts at a number of major retail outlets in the country and 0% easy payment schemes for Credit Cardholders, the Bank said. Commercial Bank Cardholders are also eligible to participate in global promotions carried out by Visa and MasterCard.

Commercial Bank is also the first bank to offer loyalty rewards for both credit and debit card holders under its Max Loyalty Rewards scheme, and was a pioneer in extending promotional discount offers, which were traditionally only offered for credit cards to its debit cards.

Commercial Bank is the only Sri Lankan bank to be ranked among the Top 1000 banks of the world for seven years consecutively, and operates a network of 256 branches and 700 ATMs in Sri Lanka. The Bank has won more than 25 international and local awards in 2016 and 2017 and has over the years received multiple awards as Sri Lanka’s Best Bank, Best Trade Bank, Strongest Bank and Most Respected Bank from a number of local and international institutions and publications.

Commercial Bank’s overseas operations encompass Bangladesh, where the Bank operates 19 outlets, Myanmar, where it has a Representative Office in Yangon, the Maldives, where the Bank has a fully-fledged Tier I Bank with a majority stake and Italy, where the Bank operates its own money transfer service.



About us

Lanka Business News is amongst the leading online Business News portals in Sri Lanka, unique for its focus on contemporary business news relevant across multiple industries operating in the country. We present not only the news, but a perspective based on observations and possible implications of a prevailing news item. LBN also provides an insight to the impact of a global economic or industrial development, thus helping stakeholders make informed and calculated decisions.




Follow Us


Newsletter