Best Fixed Deposit Rates
in Sri Lanka (2026)
Compare FD interest rates from all major Sri Lankan banks. Find the highest returns on your savings - instantly, for free.
Highest Rate
11.5% p.a.
Seylan Bank · 24M
Banks Compared
9 Banks
State & private banks
Rate Entries
36+
Across all tenures
LKR 100K Earns
LKR 110,500
After 1 year at 10.5%
Top 12-Month FD Rates
Best 1-year fixed deposit rates ranked by interest rate
| # | Bank | Type | Tenure | InterestInterest Rate | Min. Deposit | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Seylan Bank Best Rate | Private | 1 Year | 10.50%p.a. | LKR 10,000 | Calculate |
| 2 |  Commercial Bank | Private | 1 Year | 10.00%p.a. | LKR 25,000 | Calculate |
| 3 |  Nations Trust Bank | Private | 1 Year | 10.00%p.a. | LKR 25,000 | Calculate |
| 4 |  People's Bank | State | 1 Year | 8.50%p.a. | LKR 5,000 | Calculate |
| 5 |  Pan Asia Bank | Private | 1 Year | 8.50%p.a. | LKR 10,000 | Calculate |
| 6 |  Sampath Bank | Private | 1 Year | 8.00%p.a. | LKR 10,000 | Calculate |
Why Compare FD Rates in Sri Lanka?
Small rate differences can mean thousands of rupees over time
Maximize Returns
Even a 0.5% higher rate on LKR 1 million means LKR 5,000 extra per year.
Safe & Guaranteed
State bank FDs carry government backing. Private banks are covered by the Sri Lanka Deposit Insurance Scheme (SLDIS).
Instant Comparison
No calls, no branch visits. Compare all banks and tenures in seconds.
What Our Rate Tracking Shows
Original analysis from 39 rate snapshots we have recorded since March 28, 2026
Because we archive every rate change rather than only showing today's figures, we can see something a single bank's website cannot tell you: the gap between the best and worst 12-month rate has widened from 1.75 percentage points to 3.25 over the tracked period. The market has not simply moved up — it has spread out.
6 of the 9 banks we track raised their 12-month rate over this window, led by Seylan Bank at +2.5 points. Pan Asia Bank, Hatton National Bank and Sampath Bank have not moved their 12-month rates at all across the same period.
The practical consequence is that shopping around matters considerably more now than it did in March. On a Rs. 1,000,000 deposit, the current spread is worth about Rs. 32,500 a year in gross interest between the best and worst bank on our table — for an identical product, at an identical tenure, with identical deposit insurance.
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Read our Safe Investing Guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Which bank offers the highest FD rate in Sri Lanka in 2026?
As of 2026-09-01, Seylan Bank offers the highest fixed deposit rate of 11.5% per annum for a 24-month tenure.
What is the minimum deposit for a fixed deposit in Sri Lanka?
Minimum FD amounts vary. National Savings Bank (NSB) accepts deposits from as low as LKR 1,000. Commercial Bank requires a minimum of LKR 25,000. Most banks start from LKR 5,000–10,000.
Are fixed deposit interest rates taxed in Sri Lanka?
Yes. Banks deduct Advance Income Tax at 10% at source on interest paid since 1 April 2026, replacing the earlier 5% withholding tax. Your net return is nine tenths of the advertised rate — a 10% FD credits 9%. If your assessable income for the year is Rs. 1,800,000 or less, you can file a self-declaration with your bank to receive interest without the deduction.
Can I break a fixed deposit before maturity in Sri Lanka?
Yes, most banks allow early withdrawal but may charge a penalty (typically 1–2% reduction in the applicable rate). Check your bank's terms before opening an FD.
Which is better - state bank or private bank FDs?
State bank FDs (BOC, People's Bank, NSB) carry an implicit government guarantee and are considered very safe. Private bank FDs typically offer higher rates and are covered by the Sri Lanka Deposit Insurance Scheme (SLDIS).