Bank of Ceylon brings ray of sunshine to Apeksha Hospital on World’s Children’s Day

As a responsible bank that has a greater social responsibility, the Bank of Ceylon has taken upon itself to care for a special group of children who do not have the opportunity of a normal joyful childhood on this Children’s Day in a more meaningful and a thoughtful way through ‘Apeksha Dalwana Sithuwam Dakma’, art exhibition. Going beyond commercial purposes the prime objective of the bank was to bring some happiness and excitement that every child should experience. For children art is one of the best modes to communicate their joy, excitement or sorrow and at the same time enjoying doing so.

“The idea was generated as the bank organised the ‘little Picasso’ art competition for the children in the whole country in commemorating the bank’s 78th anniversary. It was observed that there are children who do not have the privilege of enjoying even the simplest things in life as a child simply because of a life-threatening illness such as cancer. Understanding the need to bring some ray of hope and joy of living to these little hearts and encouraging them to look at the brighter side of life the bank decided to organise an art exhibition giving them every possible comfort to engage in this enjoyable task,” stated Deputy General Manager Sales and Channel Management Senarath Bandara. 

The bank firstly brought them a stationary pack containing drawing papers, colour boxes and other equipment needed to draw a picture which was later collected and prepared to be exhibited at the Apeksha Hospital Children’s Ward, play area. The exhibition and the children’s day celebration took place on 1 October in line with World Children’s Day, for all the children who will be present at the Apeksha Hospital to enjoy. Several entertainment programs took place for children to have fun, whilst proudly enjoying their own paintings that were on display at the exhibition. Further the bank handed a toy to every child who is being treated at the hospital. Since 1 October is a significant day for children and elders alike, the Bank of Ceylon together with the Apeksha Hospital arranged the lunch for all patients in the hospital on this day. Apart from events such as these, the bank has constructed and maintains three floors of the children’s ward and additionally conducts these kinds of activities from time to time. 

Children’s Day celebrations did not simply stop at the ‘Apeksha Hospital – CSR Activity’ on this day. The bank joined with the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation with their celebrations as one of the sponsors to the event that took place at the Independence Square. The event was filled with fun games and activities for kids to enjoy. The bank too organised several games for kids to take part in and win gifts complementary from the Bank of Ceylon. Acknowledging special days in a year that are dedicated to important issues such as ‘Child protection and welfare’, the bank annually involves in CSR and other activities engaging as many children as possible. The bank believes that such activities build harmony and happiness in those minds. Apart from these the bank takes dedicated and conscious steps to uplift education and sports that are equally important for a healthy and mindful upbringing of children. In this part of strategic direction BOC’s ‘Hapana’ scholarships coaching program and BOC Ran Kekulu Scholarship awards enhances knowledge and encourages education within Sri Lankan children in every part of the country.