PickMe partners with LankaQR to reduce dollar outflow

Ride-hailing company PickMe recently partnered with LankaQR (LQR) to facilitate direct payments. 

LQR is a common quick response (QR) code standard adopted by financial institutions in Sri Lanka to facilitate fast, secure and low-cost digital payments to any merchant, especially small and medium enterprises. It enables customers to pay merchants directly from their bank accounts (CASA) and credit and debit cards using a LankaQR-compliant mobile payment app. 

PickMe has also enabled Master and Visa network QR payments simultaneously through this initiative. Its goal is to deliver a convenient and safer experience to its customers, merchants and drivers.

“As a registered Sri Lankan company, we believe it is crucial at this juncture to enable transactions that are done locally in terms of transferring funds. Not only is it convenient for our customers but it is also the best thing for the nation, especially now,” said PickMe CEO Zulfer Jiffry.

PickMe customers can now pay their fares via the LankaQR common QR code. The easy-to-use QR code system allows customers to simply scan and authenticate their payments for rides or deliveries. Payments can be made through smartphone or tablet that has the LankaQR enabled app.  

“With the dollar continuing to rise against the rupee, we have taken a decision to do everything possible to reduce the pressure on the demand. This is why we have opted to provide this very local option to our customers. We hope to make our customers aware at this very crucial time for the Sri Lankan economy, that every time they do transactions, which culminate outside the country, it only helps the current crisis to become bigger. We really don’t need to compromise our much-needed dollars to buy our daily needs or pay for our food and taxis,” reiterated Jiffry.

“We are happy that PickMe has included this method of payment in its offering because these will be domestic transactions that would ease pressure on the dollar demand. This step by PickMe is a boost to local solutions,” said Central Bank of Sri Lanka Director Payments and Settlements Dharmasri Kumaratunga.