BOC celebrates its 82nd anniversary on an austere note
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Mr. Kanchana Ratwatte
Bank of Ceylon (BOC) this year celebrates 82 years of leading the Sri Lankan Banking and Finance landscape.
“Taking pride in its unparalleled performance over these years, the bank has been able to provide a forward-thinking, resilient, and advanced financial services to the nation while extending its penetration into overseas markets,” it said in a media release.
The bank was set up under ‘The Bank of Ceylon Ordinance’ in 1938 and declared open by the Governor Sir Andrew Caldecott at No.41, Bristol Street, which street is known today as Sir Baron Jayathilaka Mawatha, on August 1st, 1939.
Reminiscing on the success of the bank over the years, bank Chairman. Kanchana Ratwatte said they were fully conscious of the need to fulfil all aspects of its duties and obligations as a responsible corporate citizen.
“The Bank of Ceylon has always rendered its fullest cooperation to the socio-economic development of the country for over the past 82 years. Winning the hearts and minds of the people and becoming one of their close-knit family members is not attained by merely catering to the financial needs of the people,” he said.
Mr. D. P. K. Gunasekera
General Manager Mr. D. P. K. Gunasekera recalled the enormous presence the bank has in the banking industry of the country.
“Reaching 82 years with an unblemished record itself proves the story behind the bank’s success. Braving environmental and other unforeseen obstacles and sailing undaunted across the troubled waters maintaining its balance it has been a voyage of success over the years,” he said
For the past 82 years, the Bank of Ceylon has established itself as a powerhouse that brightened the nation’s hopes and aspirations by providing customer centric banking solutions. BOC has reached over 2000 customer touch points across Sri Lanka and has established its branches in Chennai, Male, Hulhumale and Seychelles. Further, BOC maintains a full-fledged banking subsidiary in London.
The bank reached the highest industry profits for the year 2020 of Rs. 23.6 billion profit before tax and Rs. 3 trillion in asset. The bank’s Inward Remittance grew over US$2.8 billion last year which is yet another noteworthy achievement, the statement said.