PhonePe, a prominent digital payments platform, has announced a strategic collaboration with PickMe, Sri Lanka’s premier ride-hailing service. This partnership heralds a new era of convenience for Indian travelers in Sri Lanka, as it introduces UPI-based QR payments for seamless transactions on PickMe rides.
Jiffry Zulfer, CEO of PickMe, expressed excitement about the collaboration, citing its alignment with PickMe’s vision to revolutionize Sri Lanka’s transportation sector while fostering economic growth and providing additional income streams for drivers.
The initiative follows PhonePe’s recent endeavor in conjunction with LankaPay, facilitating UPI payments across LankaQR merchant points via the PhonePe App. Powered by the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and LankaPay National Payment Network, these transactions cater to the needs of Indian tourists and entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka.
Speaking at the launch event, Santosh Jha, the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, highlighted the significance of the UPI launch in fostering digital collaboration between the two nations. He underscored India’s support for Sri Lanka’s digital initiatives, including the development of its Unique Digital Identity Program and other components of the Digital Stack, which hold immense potential for transformative change.
Jha encouraged Sri Lankan companies to engage with Indian counterparts to harness the UPI stack for innovative solutions across various sectors, from hotel and cab bookings to delivery services and beyond.