The use of digital transactions, which has been increasingly getting mainstreamed in modern times, is one arena where GovPay can prove to be a reliable and effective digital platform laid by the Sri Lankan government. It provides a simplified payment gateway for its citizens to pay their public payables in an expeditious, safe, and convenient manner—be it at the comfort of their homes or en route to anything.
What is GovPay?
GovPay is an online payment system created to facilitate easy operations of financial background between the citizens and the government. It enables people and companies to pay safely a great amount of government services, such as
- Taxes and levies
- Traffic fines
- Utility bills
- Examination and educational fees
- Licensing fees and permits
- Other public service charges
You can do it with the help of online and mobile banking, mobile banking apps, and digital wallets connected with the national payment network of LankaPay.
Who Developed GovPay?
GovPay is a collaborative initiative led by
| Institution | Role |
|---|---|
| ICTA (Information and Communication Technology Agency) | Project lead and digital infrastructure provider |
| LankaPay | National payment gateway and backend payment processor |
| Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) | Regulatory oversight and support |
| Ministry of Digital Economy | Policy support and digital transformation alignment |
The portal wires into the e- governance vision of Sri Lanka which is geared towards curbing the manual work, increasing transparency, and enhancing revenue collection by government institutions.
GovPay Launch Timeline
GovPay officially launched in early February 2025 with the integration of 16 key government institutions. A phased rollout plan was introduced to expand services across additional agencies.
Rollout Summary:
| Phase | Institutions Included | Target Completion Date |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | 16 institutions | February 2025 |
| Phase 2 | 15 more institutions | March 2025 |
| Phase 3 | Final 15 institutions | April 2025 |
As it is estimated that by April 2025, over 45 government institutions will be covered with GovPay, the latter can become the heart of digital payment regarding public services in Sri Lanka.
Key Goals of GovPay
- Modernize revenue collection
- Enhance transaction security and transparency
- Improve data accuracy and traceability
- Expand citizen access to government services through digital channels
- Support the National Digital Government Strategy
How Does GovPay Work?
GovPay acts as a central gateway between users and participating government organizations. Here’s how it works:
- Access the GovPay website or app via www.govpay.lk.
- Select the relevant government organization or service.
- Enter required payment information, such as your reference number or invoice details.
- Choose your payment method—credit/debit card, internet banking, or mobile wallet.
- Make the payment securely and instantly receive a receipt via email or SMS.
The platform will be linked with the LankaClear payment infrastructure, which will provide users with a quick and seamless process of transactions between banks and financial institutions.
GovPay Mobile App
It appears that GovPay itself does not offer a standalone mobile app listed on the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Instead, GovPay services are integrated within partner fintech and banking apps, such as iPay, Helakuru (via HelaPay), and Genie, which you use to make government payments.
Where to Access GovPay on Mobile
Based on official sources from LankaPay and ICTA, the following apps have GovPay services embedded:
Apps Offering GovPay Integration
Fintech Apps
-
Genie
GovPay is available under the bill payments section within this app from Dialog Finance -
iPay
A popular digital wallet/app in Sri Lanka that fully supports GovPay payments -
Helakuru (via HelaPay)
Includes GovPay capability, though some users have reported occasional glitches in processing -
FriMi
A fintech application integrated with GovPay for government payments
Internet/Mobile Banking via Partner Banks
GovPay is also supported within the mobile and internet banking platforms of 12 leading banks, including:
Summary Table
| App | Platform | GovPay Included? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPay | Android & iOS | Yes | Use to pay fines or government charges |
| Genie App | Android & iOS | Yes | Access GovPay via the app’s GovPay menu. |
| Helakuru (via HelaPay) | Android & iOS | Partial | GovPay supported, but some user-reported glitches exist. |
How to Get Started
- Go to the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Search for “iPay Sri Lanka” or “Genie”.
- Download and install the app.
- Open the app and look for the GovPay section within the bill payments or GovPay menu.
- Log in, select the government service, enter reference details, and confirm payment.
- You’ll receive a confirmation receipt via SMS and/or email after successful payment.
Note on GovPay APK or Standalone App
- There is no official GovPay-branded app available for direct download.
- All transactions happen through partner platforms (like iPay and Genie) that integrate with GovPay’s payment system
- Therefore, there is no official APK file for GovPay itself—just install the partner mobile apps from trusted sources.
Security Reminder
- Always install fintech/banking apps from official store listings.
- Avoid downloading unverified APK files or third-party sources to prevent security risks.
- Use up-to-date apps and strong internet connections to ensure secure payment processing.
Participating Government Organizations
GovPay connects with many public sector agencies and services. Some of the key institutions include
- Department of Motor Traffic
- Sri Lanka Police
- Inland Revenue Department
- Sri Lanka Customs
- Urban Development Authority
- Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment
- Divisional Secretariats
- Municipal Councils and Local Authorities
It continues to expand as more departments adopt digital service delivery.
Secure & Convenient Payments
Security is a cornerstone of GovPay. The platform follows national and international cybersecurity standards:
- SSL encryption to protect your personal and financial information
- Real-time transaction alerts
- Integration with LankaClear’s JustPay system for secure mobile transactions
- Two-factor authentication where necessary
In addition to top-notch security, GovPay offers:
- 24/7 accessibility
- User-friendly design
- Multilingual support (Sinhala, Tamil, English)
- Receipt and reference tracking
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Does GovPay cost any money?
Yes. GovPay does not impose extra fee to its users. Nevertheless, there may be regular bank or card transaction fees.
Q2: How is payment done?
GovPay accepts credit/debit cards, Internet banking and mobile-payment platforms that use LankaQR/JustPay network.
Q3: Is it possible to have a receipt when payment is made?
Yes, the e-receipt is sent via email or SMS immediately after the confirmation of payment.
Q4: What will take place in case my payment fails?
In case a payment can be done based on a network or banking mistake, there will be no deduction. In case of charges, it is normally reimbursed within 3-5 working days.
Q5: Can we use GovPay in the company of the Wi-Fi?
It is advised to enact a personal or secure connection when typing in personal or banking details, despite the fact that GovPay itself has been encrypted.
Contact Information
| Website | www.govpay.lk |
| govpay@icta.lk | |
| Hotline | 1919 (Government Information Centre) |
| ICTA Sri Lanka | +94 11 2 369099 |
| Address | Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA), 160/24, Kirimandala Mawatha, Colombo 05, Sri Lanka. |
Benefits of Using GovPay
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| One-stop solution | Pay multiple types of government fees in one place |
| Time-saving | No queues or physical visits needed |
| Transparent process | Receipts and transaction history available |
| Eco-friendly | Supports paperless governance |
Final Thoughts
GovPay is one of the daring moves towards digitalization of the Sri Lanka public sector. GovPay helps you to do all this with few clicks whether you are renewing vehicle registration, paying taxes, and applying licenses. Get a move on and adopt digital governance to secure quicker, safer and sharper deals.
