Expert insights on loans, banking, investments, and financial planning in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka's telecom e-money wallets, eZ Cash and mCash, hold up to Rs. 20,000 basic or Rs. 150,000 verified, while bank-linked apps like FriMi, Genie and iPay move money from a bank account. Transfers inside a wallet are free; cash-out costs from Rs. 25 at eZ Cash agents, and LANKAQR has a 0% merchant fee up to Rs. 5,000 since April 2026.
Property in Sri Lanka is financed through housing, construction, land and loan-against-property facilities or developer plans. The OPR rose to 8.75% on 26 May 2026 and weekly AWPR reached 10.76% in September. Banks lend 70โ80% of value; transfer stamp duty is 3% of the first LKR 100,000 and 4% of the balance.
Sri Lankan banks lend personal loans to permanent, confirmed employees who meet a bank-set minimum income (LKR 30,000 at Bank of Ceylon for government staff, LKR 75,000 at Commercial Bank, LKR 100,000 at HNB), remit their salary and have a regular CRIB record. How much you can borrow, 2026 rates with the OPR at 8.75%, and safe-borrowing rules.
Bank of Ceylon, People's Bank, Commercial Bank, HNB and Sampath are Sri Lanka's strongest banks, all rated AA-(lka) by Fitch in 2026. Their size and results, the sector's health from the Central Bank's October 2026 review, which bank suits whom, and the LKR 1.1 million deposit insurance.
This practical guide explains housing loan eligibility in Sri Lanka. It covers age, income, and credit checks. Find details on major banks, current interest rates, and necessary documents. Compare loan options to secure your dream home.
Government securities are debt instruments. They are issued by Sri Lanka's government. They offer low-risk returns. This guide explains how to invest. Learn about T-Bills and T-Bonds. Find out about providers and application steps.
A good credit score in Sri Lanka helps you get loans easily. You receive lower interest rates and faster approvals. Learn about CRIB scores and their advantages.
A plain-English guide to the Sri Lankan stock market for complete beginners: what a share is, how the Colombo Stock Exchange works, the real 2.24% round-trip cost of trading, the mistakes to avoid, and how to start sensibly.
Learn to improve your credit score in Sri Lanka. Understand CRIB reports, how they work, and practical steps to enhance your creditworthiness. Access better loan terms and interest rates.
