Here’s a concise guide to online banking services in Sri Lanka — what they are, which providers to expect, common features, how to get started, and security tips.

What “online banking” includes

• Internet (web) banking portals for accounts, transfers, bill payments, statements, loan/credit management.
• Mobile banking apps for same functions plus deposits, alerts, card controls.
• Real-time or same‑day interbank transfers, scheduled payments, and bulk/utility payments.
• Digital onboarding for some accounts, e-statements, and eKYC where supported.
• Integration with digital wallets, QR payments, and card tokenization for ecommerce.

Major banks and providers (typical) Most large Sri Lankan banks offer full online banking today. Expect to find services from:

• Bank of Ceylon (BOC)
• Commercial Bank of Ceylon
• Hatton National Bank (HNB)
• Sampath Bank
• People’s Bank
• Seylan Bank
• Nations Trust Bank
• DFCC Bank
• Standard Chartered Sri Lanka
• HSBC Sri Lanka

(Regional/other institutions, microfinance providers and fintechs also provide online payment solutions and wallets; LankaPay is the national payments infrastructure used by many banks.)

Common features to look for

• Account balance, mini‑statements and full e‑statements.
• Interbank transfers (instant or same‑day), intra‑bank transfers.
• Billers and recurring payment setup.
• Domestic real‑time transfers (via participating schemes), SLIPS/RTGS for larger payments where applicable.
• Debit/credit card management (block/unblock, limits).
• Mobile cheque deposits (if supported) and beneficiary management.
• Alerts (SMS/push/email), multi‑factor authentication (MFA).
• Secure login (biometric or 2FA), transaction OTPs, device registration.

How to get started

1. Choose a bank that fits your needs (branch network, fees, app ratings, customer support).
2. Register for internet/mobile banking: usually via branch, ATM or the bank’s website/app (some banks offer full online registration). You’ll need ID (NIC/passport), account number and contact/mobile number.
3. Set up strong credentials and enable push/SMS OTP or biometric login if available.
4. Register beneficiaries (may require an activation/wait period for first‑time transfers).
5. Download and test the mobile app and enable alerts.

Security best practices

• Only use official bank apps/websites (check publisher and URL).
• Enable multi‑factor authentication and biometrics.
• Don’t share OTPs, PINs or full card details. Banks never ask for OTPs or full passwords.
• Keep your phone/OS up to date and install apps only from official app stores.
• Use strong, unique passwords and a reputable password manager.
• Review account activity regularly and set alerts for high‑value transactions.
• Be cautious with public Wi‑Fi; use mobile data or a VPN for sensitive banking actions.

Costs and limits

• Some banks charge transaction fees for interbank transfers, RTGS or international transfers. Mobile app/internet balance inquiries and e‑statements are often free. Check fee schedules with the bank.

Regulation and consumer protection

• Sri Lanka’s central bank (Central Bank of Sri Lanka) regulates banks and payment systems; consumer protections exist but vary by case. Keep records of disputed transactions and contact your bank promptly.

Would you like any of the following next?

• A comparison of online/mobile apps for a few specific banks (I can fetch current app ratings and features).
• Step‑by‑step registration instructions for a particular bank.
• The latest fee/transaction limit info for Sri Lankan interbank transfers (I can look this up).

Tell me which option you want and I’ll fetch up‑to‑date details.