HNB – Lanka IOC joins hand to launch Solo contactless payment option at Lanka IOC stations

Catering to the rapidly increasing demand for digital payment solutions Sri Lanka’s leading private sector bank HNB PLC and Lanka IOC PLC, a top-ranked listed energy company launched phase 1 of contactless payment options via the Solo Digital Payment App by HNB at 41 Lanka IOC Petrol Sheds across the island with phase 2 set to offer the facility at a further 167 sheds.

Developed in line with the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) Lanka QR mandate for licensed commercial banks, HNB SOLO offers the opportunity to complete transactions via the app while maintaining social distancing and avoiding the exchange of cash or cards when refueling their vehicles at a Lanka IOC Petrol Station.

HNB Solo users now have the opportunity to complete transactions via the app and avoid the exchange of cash or cards when refueling their vehicles at a Lanka IOC Petrol Station. The partnership inked in a post COVID-19 landscape, offers customers a safe and convenient payment option in a world in which social distancing measures will be in force for the foreseeable future.

“With the gradual move to the new normal, consumers are encouraged to strongly adhere to the mandatory physical distancing rules that are imposed by the government. This new lifestyle has brought about a significant increase in cashless and contactless transactions and we are fully committed to providing our customers with the safest and most secure payment options. In times like these, every effort can have a positive impact on our society. As such, we will continue to explore innovative solutions to support businesses and consumers as we face this challenge together,” HNB Deputy General Manager- Retail and SME Banking, Sanjay Wijemanne said.

Customers can pay for their Petrol or Diesel by merely scanning the unique QR code generated with the Solo app. To adopt this cleaner, safer way to pay at Lanka IOC’s 208 Fuel Stations spread across the isalnd, users only require a smartphone with the Solo Payment App installed.

“Our partnership with HNB to activate contactless payment options was brought about by our deep commitment in keeping our Customer attendants at Petrol Sheds and Customers safe and healthy in a post-COVID, new normal scenario. Contactless payments have completely changed the way customers pay for goods and most importantly, reduced the time spent in queues at POS terminals, which is an absolute necessity in today’s world,” Lanka IOC spokesperson said.

Providing users with complete freedom in digital payments, Solo by HNB is designed to offer users the flexibility to handle any transaction anywhere whether it be purchasing from an established retail franchise or even a small stall or three-wheeler.

Users can sign up with Solo by downloading the app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store for free. Once downloaded, a user can register by entering the mobile number and personal details with no requirement for paperwork at a branch office. Customers also have the option of connecting the app directly to their bank account or VISA/ MASTER credit or debit card from any bank.

Thereafter, the user can scan the Solo QR code at any Solo merchant to complete any transaction through VISA, Master Card or JustPay platforms with just the swipe of a screen.

Lanka IOC PLC is engaged in Retail Sales of Petrol/ Diesel through its strong network of Fuel Stations across the island and stands committed to participate in meeting the energy requirement of country. The company is also a leading Bunker Fuel supplier at Sri Lankan Ports. In addition, Lanka IOC is also engaged in the blending and marketing of Lubricants under the brand name of SERVO.

With 252 customer centres across the country, HNB is one of Sri Lanka’s largest, most technologically innovative banks having won local and global recognition for its efforts to drive forward a new paradigm in digital banking. Over the recent past, the bank has continuously won prestigious accolades including being declared Best Retail Bank in Sri Lanka by the Asian Banker Magazine. Locally, HNB leads the Business Today Top 10 rankings and also claimed seven awards at the Best Corporate Citizen Sustainability Awards 2019. The first Sri Lankan bank to obtain an international credit rating, HNB is rated on par with the sovereign by Moody’s Investors Service, and the national long term rating of HNB revised upward by two notches to AA+ (lka) recently by Fitch Ratings (Lanka) Ltd.