Sri Lankan operator Dialog Axiata has announced what it calls a landmark strategic partnership with UnionPay International (UPI), a China-headquartered company described as one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing global payment networks.
Dialog Axiata says this strategic collaboration positions its fintech arm, Dialog Finance, to enable a broader spectrum of innovative payment products, enhanced national acceptance, and access to world-class digital payment experiences for Sri Lankan consumers and merchants.
These solutions will support key sectors such as e-commerce, mobility, travel, retail and MSME operations, contributing to the national priority of expanding cashless payments and digital financial inclusion.
In particular it notes the key role of UPI, a payment network with a strong global presence, accepted in over 180 countries and regions.
UPI says it has been expanding its footprint through collaborations in banking and payment infrastructure. It adds that these strategic partnerships continue to strengthen its role in driving innovation and expanding digital payment adoption globally.
Indeed, the company had a busy 2025 in Asia with the news in July that UnionPay cards issued by Vietnamese banks can be linked with Alipay and WeChat Pay, China's leading mobile payment platform.
Earlier in the year there was a strategic partnership with Malaysian financial institution Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) to launch the UnionPay QR payment in Malaysia.
Nor is this the company’s first deal in Sri Lanka. In 2021 Sri Lankan operator SLT-Mobitel’s mobile money platform, mCash, partnered with UPI in order to enhance digital enablement in Sri Lanka.
