Sri Lanka’s biggest bank, Bank of Ceylon celebrates 84th anniversary

The Bank of Ceylon (BOC), Sri Lanka’s biggest bank celebrated its 84^th anniversary at a ceremony held at the Bank’s Head Office Colombo 1 on Wednesday.

The ceremony began with special religious sermons, invoking blessings on the staff and on all customers of the bank. The event was held with the patronage of the Bank’s Chairman President's Counsel Ronald C. Perera and the General Manager Russel Fonseka. Members of the bank’s Board of Directors, Corporate and Executive management, staff members, customers and well-wishers gathered at the head office to celebrate the event. Similarly, the bank’s branch network too celebrated the anniversary along with their loyal customers and well-wishers, the bank said in a media release.

BOC’s founding is a major event in the country’s economic history in the modern era as it is a milestone in what today is called “Financial inclusion”. The establishment of the Bank of Ceylon and its opening on the 1^st of August 1939 for business by British Governor Sir Andrew Caldecott led to an ordinary person or business could open an account and using cheques in transacting.

A novel product focused on empowering customers through a flexible investment plan, the “BOC Flexi Investor” account was ceremoniously launched by the Chairman and General Manager to commemorate the anniversary. This novel savings account comes with special features that enable the eligible account holder to have a goal-based investment plan to achieve financial goals in the way he/she desires. Flexibility to set own investment plan based on the goal, tenure and affordable deposit with a wide range of investment options and attractive interest rates. It also gives the option to open multiple investment plans simultaneously and there will be no penalty for missed deposits.

These novel concepts the bank introduces are aimed at assisting customers comprehensively by being more responsive to their dynamic needs. Having served the country for 84 years as the leading banking institution rendering impeccable service to its customers and community, the Bank of Ceylon has further sharpened its capabilities to be ready to strive for many years to come.