“Best” depends on what you value (size, stability, branch network, digital tools, SME/corporate services, remittances, etc.). Below are the banks most often recommended in Sri Lanka (based on 2024–mid‑2025 results and industry awards), with a short note on each and a source you can check.

• Commercial Bank of Ceylon — Best overall private-sector bank; market leader in private‑sector assets, loans and digital innovation (frequently named “Best Bank in Sri Lanka” by Global Finance). Good for retail, SME lending and digital services. (combank.lk, combank2024.annualreports.lk)

• Bank of Ceylon (BOC) — Sri Lanka’s largest bank by assets and the biggest state‑owned lender; very broad branch/ATM network and strong role in remittances and SME/development banking. Often highest‑ranked Sri Lankan bank in global lists. Good for nationwide access and government‑linked services. (boc.lk, brandfinance.com)

• Hatton National Bank (HNB) — Large private bank with strong capital and liquidity metrics; recognized for retail banking and SME support and has won regional banking awards. Good for retail and SME banking. (hnb.net)

• Sampath Bank — Major private bank noted for retail performance, stable capital ratios and award recognition (Euromoney “Best Bank” in past awards). Good for retail customers and transactional banking. (euromoney.com, lankabusinessnews.com)

• People’s Bank — Large state bank with one of the widest branch networks and many awards for digital banking and financial‑inclusion programs. Good choice if you need physical branch access across the island or government‑linked products. (peoplesbank.lk, newswire.lk)

• NDB Bank — Strong in corporate and transaction banking and frequently awarded for corporate solutions and digital innovation. Good for corporates, investment‑banking related services and sophisticated business products. (ndbbank.com, ndbbank.lk)

• Nations Trust Bank (NTB) — Well regarded for digital banking (FriMi) and premium/credit‑card services; solid profitability and capital metrics. Good if you prioritize digital-first retail banking. (nationstrust.com)

• DFCC Bank — Development‑bank heritage, increasingly strong in retail/SME and sustainability (issued Sri Lanka’s first listed Green Bond). Good for SMEs and sustainability‑focused financing. (dfcc2024.annualreports.lk)

• Seylan Bank — Medium‑sized private bank with improving profitability and upgraded local ratings; a reliable regional player. Good for retail customers wanting solid local-bank service. (seylan.lk, lankabusinessnews.com)

Quick guidance by need

• Best for widest physical access / remittances: Bank of Ceylon, People’s Bank. (boc.lk, newswire.lk)
• Best private bank / digital + SME: Commercial Bank, HNB. (combank2024.annualreports.lk, hnb.net)
• Best for corporate / investment banking: NDB, HNB. (ndbbank.com, hnb.net)
• Best digital‑first retail experience: Nations Trust (FriMi), Commercial Bank, People’s Bank. (nationstrust.com, combank.lk, peoplesbank.lk)

If you want, I can: (a) compare fees, branch/ATM counts, interest rates or digital features for two or three banks you’re considering, or (b) summarize recent safety / rating indicators (capital ratios, Fitch/Fitch‑Lka ratings) for a shortlist.