The WhatsApp Business Platform, often called the WhatsApp Business API, lets a business send messages at scale, connect WhatsApp to its systems and use an AI assistant, on Meta’s official service. For Sri Lankan businesses that sell through WhatsApp, it is the safe way to grow beyond one phone.
WhatsApp Business app or Business Platform?
| WhatsApp Business app | WhatsApp Business Platform (API) | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | One person replying from a phone | Teams, high message volume, automation |
| Bulk messages | Limited broadcast lists | Approved templates to opted-in customers |
| AI chatbot | Basic quick replies | Full AI assistant and integrations |
| Cost | Free | Per-message fees from Meta, plus a provider |
Why numbers get banned
Many businesses use unofficial "bulk WhatsApp" tools that send messages from a normal number. WhatsApp detects this and can ban the number, losing every chat on it. The official platform avoids this because messages are sent through approved templates to customers who agreed to hear from you.
How Meta charges
Meta charges per message for three categories of template messages: marketing (offers and promotions), utility (order updates, reminders) and authentication (one-time codes). Replies to customers who message you first are free within the 24-hour customer service window (Meta pricing).
Published estimates for Sri Lanka put marketing messages at around LKR 9 and utility messages at around LKR 3.50 each at low volume (go4whatsup, April 2026). Treat these as approximate and check Meta’s live rate card, as rates change.
How to set it up
- Create or verify your Meta Business account.
- Choose the number to use. A number can only be on one WhatsApp product at a time.
- Register the number on the WhatsApp Business Platform and set your display name.
- Create message templates and get them approved.
- Connect an inbox or AI assistant so your team and the AI can reply.
What an AI assistant adds
An AI assistant reads each message and replies like a trained staff member: it answers questions about availability, takes bookings or orders, sends reminders and hands the chat to a person when needed. It can reply in Sinhala or English. See our WhatsApp AI assistant service.
Frequently asked questions
Is the WhatsApp Business API free?
Access to the platform is free from Meta, but Meta charges per message for marketing, utility and authentication templates. Replies within 24 hours to customers who message first are free. Providers also charge for their software and setup.
Can I use the API with my existing number?
Usually yes, but a number can only be active on one WhatsApp product, so it must be moved from the WhatsApp Business app first.
Can a WhatsApp chatbot reply in Sinhala?
Yes. Modern AI assistants can understand and reply in Sinhala and English.