Commercial Bank strengthens its role in national development by empowering Sri Lanka’s entrepreneurs

The Bank’s unwavering commitment to empowering MSMEs reflects its broader, purpose-driven strategy to create prosperity through inclusive banking. By delivering targeted financial solutions, fostering knowledge sharing, and promoting financial literacy at scale, Commercial Bank reaffirms its role as a catalyst for progress, transforming entrepreneurial potential into long-term economic value

Sri Lanka’s most largest private bank, Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC, continues to drive inclusive economic growth by empowering the country’s Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through a multi-faceted approach that combines innovative financial products with capacity-building initiatives and deep community outreach. The Bank, which was the largest lender to the SME sector in 2024, disbursed Rs. 330.95 billion during the year, representing 30.36% of the total SME lending in the country reinforcing its status as a key enabler of entrepreneurship and sustainable development.

Commercial Bank’s contribution to MSME development has gained global recognition, with the Bank winning 18 international awards in 2024 alone. These include the Best SME Bank Sri Lanka by Global Finance Magazine (USA), SME Bank of the Year – Sri Lanka at the Asian Banking & Finance Awards (Singapore), and Best Collaboration for SME Development by Business Pinnacle Magazine (UK) for Commercial Bank Leap Globallinker. These accolades reflect the Bank’s continued efforts to support the entrepreneurial journey through a blend of financial inclusion, product innovation, and ecosystem partnerships.

The Bank’s support for entrepreneurs is not limited to the provision of credit but extends to the creation of a conducive environment for long-term business growth. Through its Agriculture and Micro Finance Units (AMFUs), strategically located across the island, the Bank has been instrumental in uplifting rural livelihoods by offering advisory services, business counselling, and tailored financial solutions to underserved segments. These units act as mobile relationship hubs, strengthening trust with local communities and promoting grassroots-level banking engagement.

Further enhancing its rural outreach is the Bank on Wheels (BOW) initiative. A fleet of mobile banking units deployed across remote and underbanked regions. These units bring essential banking services, including account opening, cash withdrawals, and loan application assistance, to customers’ doorsteps. By reducing the need to travel long distances, Bank on Wheels has significantly improved access to finance for small-scale farmers, traders, and micro-entrepreneurs, supporting the Bank’s mission to narrow the financial inclusion gap.

In line with the Government’s broader vision for MSME development, Commercial Bank has partnered with the National Credit Guarantee Institution (NCGIL) to introduce two new development-focused lending products—Diribala and Dirishakthi. These schemes are designed specifically for MSMEs that face difficulty accessing traditional credit due to the lack of collateral. Offered under the NCGIL’s partial credit guarantee framework, these loans enable entrepreneurs to access capital with flexible repayment terms and minimal security requirements, unlocking opportunities for growth in agriculture, trade, services, and manufacturing sectors.

The Diribala Loan Scheme supports small and medium businesses across urban and semi-urban markets with financing for working capital, machinery purchase, business expansion, and other operational needs. Meanwhile, the Dirishakthi Loan Scheme is tailored for micro-entrepreneurs, including women-led enterprises, offering smaller-ticket loans with simplified documentation and faster processing. Both schemes are supplemented by non-financial support, including financial literacy sessions and access to the Bank’s business advisory channels.

Commercial Bank also facilitates MSME capacity building through regular workshops and seminars covering areas such as digital adoption, financial management, export readiness, and sustainable practices. These programs are conducted in partnership with international development agencies, chambers of commerce, and sector-specific associations, further expanding the support network available to local businesses.

As Sri Lanka charts a path toward economic stability and revitalisation, Commercial Bank remains fully aligned with national priorities by continuously innovating its MSME product portfolio and extending its reach to all corners of the country. Through initiatives such as Diribala, Dirishakthi, AMFUs, and Bank on Wheels, the Bank continues to serve as a trusted financial partner for entrepreneurs, enabling them to build resilient, future-ready businesses that contribute meaningfully to national development.

The Bank’s unwavering commitment to empowering MSMEs reflects its broader, purpose-driven strategy to create prosperity through inclusive banking. By delivering targeted financial solutions, fostering knowledge sharing, and promoting financial literacy at scale, Commercial Bank reaffirms its role as a catalyst for progress, transforming entrepreneurial potential into long-term economic value.

Commercial Bank is the first Sri Lankan bank to be listed among the Top 1000 Banks of the World and has the highest market capitalisation in the Banking Sector in the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE). The Bank is the largest private sector lender, the largest lender to the SME sector, is a leader in digital innovation and is Sri Lanka’s first 100% carbon-neutral bank.

Commercial Bank operates a strategically located network of branches and automated machines island-wide, and has the widest international footprint among Sri Lankan banks, with 20 outlets in Bangladesh, a fully-fledged Tier I Bank with a majority stake in the Maldives, and a Microfinance company in Myanmar. The Bank recently opened a representative office within the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), taking a significant step towards broadening its global footprint. The Bank’s fully-owned subsidiary CBC Finance Ltd., also delivers a range of financial services via its own branch network.