BOC contributes Rs. 500 m to “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” Fund

Thursday, 1 January 2026 00:07 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

BOC Acting General Manager/CEO Y. A. Jayathilaka (left) hands over a cheque worth Rs.500 million to President’s Secretary Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake in the presence of (from left) BOC Chief Marketing Officer Sameera Liyanage,

Chairman Kavinda de Zoysa and Chief Financial Officer Ruwan Kumara

Bank of Ceylon (BOC) has contributed Rs. 500 million to the Government’s “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” Fund to support communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah. The contribution, which was officially handed over, reaffirming the bank’s commitment to national recovery efforts.

Cyclone Ditwah, which struck Sri Lanka in late November 2025 during the northeast monsoon, caused widespread devastation across the island, affecting over two million people and severely damaging homes, infrastructure, livelihoods, and essential services.

The scale of the disaster underscored the need for strong institutional support to accelerate recovery and rebuilding. As bankers to the nation, Bank of Ceylon serves as the key banking channel for the Government’s disaster relief initiatives.

Foreign contributors were facilitated through the Bank’s Internet Payment Gateway (IPG), allowing seamless online donations. Bank of Ceylon’s UK Ltd. and Chennai branches actively facilitated overseas contributions from Friends of Sri Lanka, while creating pathways for donations in coordination with foreign High Commissions.

In addition, the Maldives Branch played a key role in facilitating donors in sending donations to Sri Lanka. BOC also played a pivotal role in supporting the nation during the aftermath of the Easter attack, the economic downturn and the fuel crisis.

In addition to the financial contribution, BOC along with the staff members immediately provided dry rations and essential items valued at Rs. 50 million to affected communities across all the affected provinces. With a customer base of over 16 million, many of whom were impacted by the disaster, Bank of Ceylon’s contribution reflects its strong corporate social responsibility, sustainability focus, and commitment to supporting national resilience and long term economic recovery.