Dialog Axiata has partnered Orik Payments Solutions Limited and NXP Semiconductors B.V, to provide 20.6 million commuters in Sri Lanka a secure contactless payments and transport ticketing. The solution, that uses NXP's MIFARE DESFire technology, deployed initially in the country's capital of Colombo in 2013, will be rolled out nationwide in Sri Lanka in the course of 2014.
Orik said in a statement that the deployment of the new 'TOUCH travel card' contactless smart card marks a milestone for Sri Lanka, as it allows contactless electronic ticketing in their public transport systems, increasing passenger convenience while boosting efficiency and security for public transport operators. In addition to transport ticketing, TOUCH will work as a payment solution in shops and taxis in the near future. Passengers simply hold their contactless smart card next to the reader and payment is taken automatically.
Mr. Anthony Rodrigo, Chief Digital Services Officer for Dialog Axiata PLC, said, "Our cooperation with Orik and NXP enables contactless ticketing and micro payments, and is another bold move to bring the best services to our customers. TOUCH users can use their smart card for public transport and payment by just holding the card in front of the reader, which is exceptionally convenient. The successful deployment and implementation of the service along with the ongoing live operations bear testimony to the robust nature of the solution".
![Patrick Henzen, CEO of Orik Payment Solutions [Credit:Orik]](http://www.orik.lk/images/patrick.png "Patrick Henzen, CEO of Orik Payment Solutions [Credit:Orik]")
Patrick Henzen, CEO of Orik Payment Solutions, said, "We are very excited to cooperate with Dialog to enable contactless smart card solutions and NFC projects in Sri Lanka. It has been Orik's vision to kick-start Sri Lanka into the era of contactless technology and doing this side-by-side with Dialog is a great way to accomplish this. The thought that shortly we can pay for transport, goods or services by just swiping a card or our mobile phone in front of a sales-terminal is very exciting and will bring increased convenience, transparency and business opportunities to everybody. Choosing NXP MIFARE DESFire is a logical step in reaching these goals, as it is secure, well-established and has a well-developed supply chain"
