Our story
Our story begins with Sir Andrew Caldecott, the then British Governor of Ceylon, who declared open the doors of the first state-owned commercial bank on August 1, 1939, in Fort, Colombo.
Since our inception, we have consistently engaged with Sri Lankans from all walks of life in a committed effort to create value for all stakeholders, with the objective of being the “preferred financial partner” for our customers.
With the largest network of touchpoints across the island, leveraged on a backbone of future-ready technologies, we strive to provide maximum convenience in access to financial services to our customers.
In creating greater value BOC established its international footprint with the establishment of overseas branches in key locations. Namely: London, UK, Male and Hulhumalé in the Maldives, Chennai, India, and the Seychelles, that are a part of Sri Lanka’s largest global network of overseas correspondent banks and exchange companies.
As Sri Lanka’s premier financial services organisation with over eight decades of leadership in opening up a world of opportunity for our stakeholders and the nation, we are delighted to be the No. 1 bank in Sri Lanka that drives growth and prosperity for all citizens.
Responsive to the evolving needs of the people, Bank of Ceylon actively invests in future technologies and harnesses the unique skills of skilled professionals, coupled with keen insights on the needs of our people, bringing convenience, greater access to financial services and building value for all stakeholders.
Constantly leveraging emerging and new global technologies, we lead the industry in the implementation and adoption of future-ready products and services.
As part of our mandate as the leading State bank, Bank of Ceylon drives development and growth in infrastructure and mega national projects, investing for the future of the nation.
Vision
To be the nation's preferred bank with a strong global presence providing customer centric innovative financial solutions
Mission
To provide highly efficient, customer focused, technologically sophisticated, resilient and innovative financial services to the nation with global access, empowering employees and enhancing value to the stakeholders.
Corporate Values
In achieving our vision to be the Nation's preferred bank, with a strong global presence, providing customer centric innovative financial solutions, we are committed to upholding our core five values as follows:
» Being customer centric
» Respecting all forms of diversity
» Committing towards high level of ethics, governance and professionalism
» Focusing towards agility and innovation
» Being accountable for all our actions
Bank of Ceylon located in the heart of Fort, the commercial metropolis of Colombo, had its doors ceremoniously opened on August 1, 1939, by British Governor, Sir Andrew Caldecott. As the very first domestic bank for the people, up against the strong competition of exchange banks and informal money lenders, its growth was unstoppable.
2000+Touch points
653 Branches | 600 ATMs | 142 CDMs | 861 CRMs
4 Foreign Branches
870+ Overseas Correspondent Relationships
Banks and Exchange Companies
10 Subsidiaries & 3 Associate Companies
In terms of recognition, apart from achieving a brand value of Rs. 50.2 billion and Brand Strength Index at AAA in the year 2023 by Brand Finance Lanka, Fitch Ratings Limited has rated BOC’s National Long Term rating at A(lka)/Stable outlook. Subordinated debentures rating of BBB+ (lka) by Fitch Ratings Lanka Ltd.
Leadership & Governance
As a State entity, Bank of Ceylon is committed to upholding the highest standards of good corporate governance, business integrity, and professionalism in all of its activities to ensure stakeholder integrity and long-term sustainability. The robust corporate governance framework underpins ethical management practices that are inbuilt within our culture and values comprising of sound governance practices which facilitate transparency and promote accountability, which are reviewed annually and improved upon, as necessary, to ensure that the governance framework is abreast of developments in governance policies and practices and the evolving needs of all its stakeholders.
Awards & Accolades
Sustainability
Bank of Ceylon has a fully-fledged, comprehensive Sustainability Policy which is reviewed annually by the sustainability unit, Sustainability committee, and the board of directors of the bank.
Financial Highlights
Annual Report 2022
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