DFCC Bank has transformed Sri Lanka’s self-service banking landscape by introducing the country’s first multilingual Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) and Cash Recycler Machines (CRMs), offering banking services in eight languages to both international visitors and local customers.
The pioneering facility, now operational at the arrivals terminal of Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) and DFCC Bank locations in Hiriketiya, Ella and Arugam Bay, allows users to conduct transactions in English, Sinhala, Tamil, French, Chinese, Russian, Hindi and German. The bank plans to progressively expand the service across its islandwide ATM and CRM network.
The initiative is designed to remove one of the most common challenges faced by international travelers navigating banking services in an unfamiliar language. Visitors arriving in Sri Lanka can now withdraw cash immediately upon arrival by simply selecting their preferred language, making their first interaction with the country’s banking system more convenient and stress-free.
For Sri Lankan customers, the service provides the flexibility to conduct self-service banking in Sinhala, Tamil or English, making everyday transactions more accessible and user-friendly.
The launch comes at a time when Sri Lanka’s tourism industry continues its strong recovery. According to the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), the country welcomed 2.36 million visitors in 2025, while a further 1.15 million tourists arrived during the first six months of 2026. As international arrivals continue to increase, multilingual banking services are expected to play a vital role in enhancing visitor convenience and supporting the country’s tourism infrastructure.
Users can select their preferred language at the beginning of each transaction before following simple on-screen instructions throughout the banking process. While DFCC Bank ATMs facilitate cash withdrawals, the bank’s Cash Recycler Machines provide both cash withdrawal and cash deposit services.
Commenting on the initiative, DFCC Bank Chief Executive Officer Thimal Perera said banking services should be accessible to everyone regardless of language.
“Banking cannot be truly accessible if language remains a barrier. Service beyond borders begins with understanding who is using the service and removing the barriers they face, whether that is an international visitor looking for a familiar language or a Sri Lankan who prefers to bank in English, Sinhala, or Tamil,” he said.
Perera noted that although choosing a preferred language on a screen may appear to be a simple feature, it represents a significant shift in customer-centric banking.
“The customer no longer has to adapt to the technology. The technology adapts to the customer. That is real progress. It removes difficulty, widens access and gives more people the confidence to transact independently,” he added.
DFCC Bank said the rollout has prioritised key tourism destinations, points of arrival and locations where multilingual banking can deliver the greatest practical benefit, reinforcing its commitment to innovation, financial inclusion and superior customer experience