ComBank leads Sri Lanka’s SME lending for fifth consecutive year

The Commercial Bank of Ceylon has once again emerged as the country’s largest lender to small and medium enterprises (SMEs), retaining its position for the fifth consecutive year, according to the Ministry of Finance’s Final Budget Position Report for 2024.
The report shows that Commercial Bank disbursed Rs. 330.9 billion in SME loans in 2024, representing 30.3 percent of the Rs. 1,090 billion provided by 16 state and private sector banks. This places the Bank significantly ahead of all other institutions, leading the industry with SME lending that is 91 percent higher than that of the nearest competitor.
The Bank’s support extended across Agriculture, Services, Industries and Other sectors, with its most substantial contribution directed to Industries. Commercial Bank lent Rs. 266.8 billion to this sector alone, accounting for 47.8 percent of the Rs. 557.6 billion in total loans received by Sri Lanka’s industrial enterprises in 2024.
This performance underscores Commercial Bank’s sustained and strategic engagement to power the SME sector, a critical driver of employment, value creation and economic stability.
Commenting on the Bank’s continuing leadership in this sphere, Sanath Manatunge, Managing Director/CEO of Commercial Bank said: “Our commitment to SMEs is rooted in the belief that their success is inseparable from the country’s economic future. In 2024, the Bank’s SME-focused initiatives positively impacted over 8,700 businesses, driving job creation, community development and economic inclusion. And as the country responds to the impact of the cyclone, Commercial Bank will continue to stand with SMEs, supporting their recovery and helping Sri Lanka rebuild.”
“The Ministry of Finance’s confirmation that we remain the largest lender to SMEs for the fifth consecutive year is a direct result of this purpose-driven approach. We will continue to expand access to finance, deploy technology that accelerates SME growth, and provide the guidance and support needed for businesses to withstand challenges and scale sustainably.”
Over the years, Commercial Bank has maintained a robust approach to SME development through targeted lending, capacity building, advisory support, and digital enablement. 
Commercial Bank’s ongoing investment in SME transformation has been further strengthened by the rollout of Sri Lanka’s first Artificial Intelligence-powered SME Credit Underwriting Solution. This new system uses advanced machine learning and predictive analytics to assess SME credit requirements and identify opportunities based on behavioural and financial data. 
Commercial Bank’s leadership in SME lending aligns with a long-term institutional strategy focused on promoting enterprise resilience, supporting domestic production, encouraging innovation, and empowering women-led and export-oriented businesses.