Friday Dec 12, 2025
Friday Dec 12, 2025
Friday, 12 December 2025 00:02 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Bank of Ceylon (BOC) marks the 30th anniversary of its Chennai branch recently, celebrating three decades of cross-border cooperation, trust, and shared economic progress between Sri Lanka and India.
Established in 1995 as BOC’s third overseas branch, Chennai has evolved into a key pillar of the Bank’s international operations and the only Sri Lankan banking presence in India. For 30 years, it has served as a reliable conduit for trade, investment, and remittances, enabling smoother financial flows and deeper regional integration.
During three decades, BOC Chennai wins the trust of the customers by providing customer centric financial solutions which is the key success story of its journey.
What began as a modest overseas extension of Sri Lanka’s premier state bank has grown into a strategic regional outpost, supporting both economies through trade finance, foreign exchange, correspondent banking, and advisory services. The branch’s enduring presence in one of India’s most dynamic commercial hubs is a proof of BOC’s vision of being a bridge between markets, communities, and opportunities.
Pillar of regional connectivity
Over the decades, the Chennai branch has become a vital link in the expanding economic relationship between India and Sri Lanka. Positioned at the heart of South India’s trade corridor, it has facilitated countless transactions that sustain bilateral commerce, from small-scale exporters and importers to major infrastructure and logistics players operating across the country.
Bank of Ceylon Chairman Kavinda de Zoysa said: “As the only Sri Lankan bank operating in India, Our Chennai branch holds significant importance in deepening the long-standing relationship between India and Sri Lanka. It will act as a vital financial bridge to support and strengthen cross-border trade, investments, and business collaborations between the two nations.”
“Through this presence, we aim to facilitate easier banking and remittance services for Sri Lankan and Indian entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals, while also contributing to the growing economic integration in the region. This initiative enhances financial connectivity and reinforces the shared vision of both countries to build stronger economic and people to people ties for the future”.
Beyond trade, the branch plays a vital role in supporting Sri Lankan expatriates living in India, providing essential financial services that help them stay connected with their homeland.
Driving trade, stability, and innovation
Over the years, BOC Chennai has helped drive growth in Indian Rupee (INR) settlements for bilateral trade, a measure that has reduced transaction costs and minimised currency conversion risks for businesses operating between the two nations. By streamlining trade finance and payment mechanisms, the branch has provided local and regional businesses with access to competitive financial solutions backed by BOC’s global expertise and strong regulatory standards.
Bank of Ceylon Acting General Manager/CEO Y.A. Jayathilaka described the branch’s journey as a story of vision and resilience: “Three decades in Chennai is a major milestone for BOC, validating our long-term strategy of international expansion focused on key economic partners. The Chennai branch has consistently demonstrated resilience and adaptability, offering tailored financial solutions to the unique needs of the Indian market. It is a fundamental component of our international strategy, reinforcing our position as a leader in regional presence.”
Through continuous personalised customer experience, the branch has kept pace with other banks in India and maintaining BOC’s hallmark of reliability and trust.
Partnership rooted in understanding
The Chennai branch’s success has also been defined by its understanding of both regulatory and cultural aspects, allowing it to operate seamlessly within India’s dynamic financial ecosystem.
Deputy General Manager – International, Treasury and Investment G.A. Jayashantha noted:
“Our success in Chennai over the past 30 years is rooted in our deep understanding of the regulatory landscapes and the strong relationships we have built with the financial community in India. The Chennai branch acts as a critical artery for investment flow and trade finance between our nations. We look forward to continuing to strengthen this financial bridge, driving investment, and creating shared prosperity for both India and Sri Lanka.”
BOC Chennai has also been instrumental in supporting Sri Lankan companies with business interests in India, helping them navigate financing and cross-border compliance, while contributing to the broader economic collaboration envisioned by both nations.
Further, BOC, Chennai deployed a dedicated team who are serving to bank over a three decades with their unblemished service and they are the cornerstone of the success of the Chennai branch.
Legacy of service, future of growth
As it marks three decades of operation, the Chennai branch continues to look ahead, focusing on expanding its service portfolio and embracing emerging opportunities in digital banking and sustainable finance.
Country Manager – Chennai Jeyaranee Gnanasambanthan, expressed pride in the branch’s journey and gratitude to its long-standing customers: “It has been an honour to lead the BOC Chennai through its growth. This anniversary is a tribute to our loyal customers and our dedicated team. We are deeply woven into the local business fabric and will continue providing services in areas like trade finance, MSMEs and mid corporate to support the dynamic growth of our clients in Chennai and other regions.
The branch’s focus on personalised service and relationship-driven banking continues to distinguish it in a highly competitive environment. With a dedicated team and a growing clientele that spans corporates, SMEs, and individuals, BOC Chennai remains steadfast in its mission to support trade, investment, and economic empowerment.
During this 30 years of journey, as a testament of its service Chennai branch is proud to have clientele across length and breadth of India marking its presence in the country. Chennai Branch is engaged in CSR activities for development of the community.
BOC: Global recognition, local trust
For over 86 years, Bank of Ceylon has been a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s financial landscape, connecting individuals and businesses to global opportunities. BOC’s extensive network with over 2,300 touch points spread across the nation, ensures that bank’s customers have convenient access to a wide range of financial services. Moreover BOC was ranked as the top Sri Lankan Bank among the Top 1000 World Banks 2025 and the Banker of the Year 2021, 2023 and 2024 by The Banker Magazine UK, The most valuable Sri Lankan brand by Brand Finance Lanka. BOC also received the People’s Banking Services Brand of the year at the SLIM KANTAR Peoples Awards 2024. Overall Winners Gold Award NBQSA National ICT Awards 2025,Gold Award for “Best Managed Project in Banking and Finance Sector” National Project Management Excellence Awards 2025,Gold Award for Digital Government in the Public Sector and Government NBQSA National ICT Awards 2025, Sri Lanka’s Best Mobile Banking App BOC Flex - Iconic Awards 2025,Internationally, Bank of Ceylon has established a strong presence in key locations such as a Subsidiary in London, UK; branches in Male and Hulhumalé in the Maldives; Chennai, India; and the Seychelles.
As Bank of Ceylon celebrates 30 years in Chennai, it does so as a trusted bridge, a bridge built on cooperation, resilience, and mutual respect. Through decades of partnership, it has helped transform commerce into connection and trade into trust, continuing its mission to serve as a catalyst for shared growth between Sri Lanka and India.
