Driven by its commitment to introduce the latest global technologies and continuously elevate the customer experience, Commercial Bank of Ceylon has announced the introduction of Soundbox, an innovative audio-enabled digital payment acceptance device tailored for the micro, small and medium enterprises.
Powered by Mastercard and implemented in partnership with Payable (Pvt.) Ltd, the Soundbox solution is designed to bring the small and micro merchants, many of whom continue to rely predominantly on cash transactions, into the formal digital payment ecosystem through an affordable, simple and efficient acceptance mechanism. These devices support acceptance across all major card networks and QR schemes available in the market, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of the country’s payment landscape.
Soundbox supports both contactless card payments and QR-based transactions and provides real-time audio confirmation for every successful payment. The device announces each completed transaction, enabling the merchants to verify payments instantly without interrupting their workflow. The QR-based transactions will also benefit from immediate crediting, further enhancing liquidity for small businesses.
Commercial Bank Managing Director and CEO Sanath Manatunge said, “What makes this solution compelling is its ability to remove long-standing barriers to entry for small merchants by combining affordability with immediacy.”
Payable Co-Founder and CEO Yohan Wijesiriwardane explained, “At Payable, for over a decade, we have been building towards a single goal of ensuring that no merchant is left behind in Sri Lanka’s digital economy. Soundbox brings that vision to life.”
Mastercard Country Manager Sri Lanka Mahesha Amarasuriya said, “The introduction of Soundbox with Commercial Bank and Payable is a significant step in expanding digital acceptance for Sri Lanka.”
The Soundbox solution is particularly suited to merchants who have found traditional point-of-sale infrastructure costly or complex. By offering a significantly lower-cost alternative that combines multiple payment methods into a single device, Soundbox eliminates the need for multiple terminals while reducing checkout friction and improving operational efficiency.
The initiative reflects Commercial Bank’s continued leadership in digital innovation and its commitment to extending the benefits of secure, convenient and inclusive financial services to underserved business segments. It also aligns with national priorities to accelerate digital adoption and reduce dependence on cash-based transactions.
