Bank of Ceylon celebrates 80th anniversary on a grand scale at BOC Tower

The Bank of Ceylon celebrated its 80th anniversary at its Head Office – the iconic BOC Tower – on 1 August, beginning with a ceremony involving all four religions to invoke blessings on the bank.

The ceremony took place at the first floor of the BOC Tower with the participation of the bank’s Acting Chairman Kumar Mayadunne, BOC Director P.A. Schaffter, General Manager/CEO Senarath Bandara, members of the corporate and executive management of the bank, distinguished customers and well-wishers and staff.

After initiating its operations at No. 41, Bristol Street, Colombo 1 on 1 August 1939, Bank of Ceylon rapidly expanded its branch network across the country and beyond. For eight decades it has been embracing new technologies throughout its journey. Latest of these technological incorporations has been digitalisation. Currently, the bank is looking ahead to expand its services to the public as it journeys towards its centenary with the new theme ‘Leading the way through innovation’.

The QR Code-enabled payment system – Bank of Ceylon’s most recent novel product designed by its Electronic Card Division – was also launched at this ceremony offering customers greater comfort and a unique payment experience. Bandara executed the first transaction using this facility. On the same day, the bank’s Human Resources Division launched an online staff loan processing system for its staff, endorsing the digitalisation that is taking place within the bank.

To celebrate this occasion, BOC’s International Division launched an investment planner – PFC Smart Saver – where customers can invest in US Dollars and Euros. The Sustainability Unit of the bank also launched ‘Yalu Para,’ a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Police to educate staff members and the public on maintaining road safety and reducing the vehicle accidents. On this occasion, a pledge was taken by the staff, committing themselves to road safety, as a part of this ‘Yalu Para’ program.   

Bank of Ceylon has been recently awarded the ‘Outstanding Green Commitment’ award by the Green Building Council of Sri Lanka for the bank’s continuous commitment in expanding its green banking practices to minimise its carbon footprint, considering the branches which have been built under ‘Green Banking Concept’ and the contribution made to the national grid through solar panels fixed to the bank’s buildings and energy saving plan implemented at the Head Office.

The Bank of Ceylon Head Office building was renamed as BOC Tower and its sign was unveiled by the Acting Chairman Kumar Mayadunne and General Manager/CEO Bandara. 

In line with the 80th anniversary commemorative programs, a blood donation campaign was held on the same day at the Head Office building, along with a pirith ceremony followed by an alms-giving to the Maha Sangha held on 2 and 3 August respectively.