Short answer — there’s no single “best” bank for every entrepreneur in Sri Lanka. Choice depends on your business size, sector, whether you need trade finance or foreign‑currency services, how important digital tools are, and whether you want subsidised/ADB‑backed lending or a large branch network. That said, the following banks are generally the strongest options for entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka in 2025:

Top picks (why each is strong)

• Commercial Bank (ComBank) — Best overall & strong SME support: recently named Sri Lanka’s Best Bank and Best Bank for SMEs by Euromoney/Global Finance; market leader in SME lending, strong digital platform and AI underwriting for faster credit decisions. (combank.lk)
• NDB Bank — Best digital SME tools: awarded “Best Digital Bank for SMEs” (Euromoney 2025); offers NEOS BIZ (SME mobile app) and TradeLinc supply‑chain finance platform tailored to entrepreneurs. Good for businesses that need digital cashflow and supply‑chain finance. (lankaweb.com)
• DFCC Bank — SME / development focus and concessional programs: strong SME lending programs (e.g., SMELoC/ADB‑backed schemes, Sahaya micro/SME loans), useful for startups and rural/small businesses needing affordable credit. (uat-dfccweb.dfcc.lk)
• Bank of Ceylon (BOC) — broad reach and FX products for online/exports: large government bank with specialised products for freelancers and online entrepreneurs (Smart Freelancer accounts in multiple currencies), good branch/ATM coverage islandwide. Useful if you need foreign currency receipts or a wide physical network. (boc.lk)
• Amana Bank — entrepreneur / SME ecosystem & Islamic finance option: active in entrepreneur programs, recognized regionally for performance; suitable if you prefer participation (Islamic) banking or banks with targeted entrepreneur initiatives. (amanabank.lk)

How to pick the right bank for your business

1. Match product to need:

   • Need working capital, supply‑chain finance or trade lines → prioritize NDB (TradeLinc), ComBank, DFCC. (lankaweb.com)
   • Need fast digital banking, multi‑user controls and maker‑checker → NDB (NEOS BIZ) or ComBank digital platforms. (lankaweb.com)
   • Receive foreign currency from freelancing/exports → BOC Smart Freelancer / PFC/BFC accounts. (boc.lk)

2. Check financing terms and support:

   • Compare SME loan rates, collateral requirements, tenure and any donor/subsidy backing (ADB/We‑Fi schemes through DFCC/NDB). (uat-dfccweb.dfcc.lk)

3. Consider non‑credit services that affect growth:

   • Digital accounting/payment integrations, trade finance, advisory/mentorship partnerships, and FX services.

4. Operational fit:

   • If you operate islandwide or need many cash deposits, prefer a bank with a large branch/ATM network (BOC, ComBank). If you’re digitally native, a bank with leading SME apps (NDB, ComBank) may be better. (combank.lk)

Quick comparison checklist (what to ask a bank)

• SME loan interest rate, max loan size, repayment tenure, allowable collateral.
• Turnaround time for credit decisions (any AI/fast underwriting?). (lankatalks.com)
• Digital SME features (multi‑user roles, maker‑checker, payroll/collection integrations). (lankaweb.com)
• Trade finance (LCs, export/import FX support, supply‑chain financing). (lankaweb.com)
• Foreign currency accounts / payout solutions for freelancers/exporters. (boc.lk)
• Any government/ADB partner loan schemes you may qualify for. (uat-dfccweb.dfcc.lk)

Next steps (practical)

1. Shortlist 2–3 banks above based on your priorities (digital, trade finance, FX, branch coverage).
2. Ask each bank for an SME package quote (interest rate, fees, tenor) and for product demos of their SME apps.
3. If you need concessional finance, ask about ADB/We‑Fi or other donor‑backed SME schemes (DFCC/NDB often participate). (uat-dfccweb.dfcc.lk)
4. If you expect significant foreign receipts, open a PFC/BFC or dedicated USD account (BOC and major private banks offer options). (boc.lk)

If you want, tell me:

• your business type (freelancer, e‑commerce, importer/exporter, manufacturer), expected monthly turnover, and whether FX receipts matter — I’ll recommend the 1–2 best banks and the specific SME products to request.