“Bank of Ceylon’s commitment to strengthening higher education sector is truly exceptional”

• In conversation with NSBM Green University Vice Chancellor Prof. E.A. Weerasinghe

Spanning a 60-acre campus, NSBM Green University is the first purpose-built Green University in South Asia, a distinction it holds with pride. As a Ministry of Higher Education-approved, degree-awarding institution, NSBM has emerged as a leading destination for higher education in Sri Lanka. Each year, a significant number of students who meet the eligibility criteria for university admission are unable to secure placements in local public universities. Many among them opt to pursue education abroad, leading to a considerable outflow of foreign exchange, a persistent challenge for the national economy.

In response, NSBM Green University has remained focused on offering world-class, high-quality higher education opportunities within Sri Lanka. Currently, more than 13,000 students are enrolled, supported by a robust academic structure that includes five faculties, 12 departments, and over 60 undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes. 

Since its inception, the university has produced over 20,000 graduates, playing a key role in shaping the country’s skilled workforce. Institution’s mission revolves around the conviction that access to quality education must extend beyond urban centres. Ensuring equitable academic opportunities for students from rural backgrounds remains a core priority. In parallel, NSBM aspires to become a globally recognised centre of learning, one that not only aligns with international standards but redefines them through innovation and excellence.

Institutions like the Bank of Ceylon have been instrumental in supporting this vision. Through their contributions to infrastructure development, funding, and strategic collaboration, BOC continues to be a vital partner in NSBM’s journey toward creating a more educated, empowered, and inclusive Sri Lanka. NSBM Green University Founding Vice Chancellor Prof. E.A. Weerasinghe explains how the Bank of Ceylon has supported the university and its students for the longest time.

Q: What role has the Bank of Ceylon played in the development of NSBM Green University so far?

 The Bank of Ceylon has been instrumental in shaping the growth and success of NSBM Green University. From the very beginning, we received expressions of interest from several local banks offering to support us with initial funding. But when the time came to choose a financial partner, we selected the Bank of Ceylon, Sri Lanka’s premier state-owned bank — for its long-standing reputation, national presence, and alignment with our values and the ability to stand as a single lender for the project. 

The support extended by BOC at the founding stage of NSBM was not only timely but also deeply meaningful. The BOC approached the partnership with a sense of national duty and purpose. As a result, they enabled us to move forward with confidence and stability at a critical juncture in our journey.

We are especially grateful for the cordial, professional cooperation extended by the bank’s leadership, including its Chairman, General Manager/CEO and Board of Directors. Their proactive engagement and belief in the vision of NSBM have been unwavering.

Q: How did your partnership with the Bank of Ceylon begin and what are the reasons that drove NSBM to partner with the bank? 

 It all began in 2013 when NSBM, as a self-financed entity, needed a financial institution to begin construction of NSBM Green University at Pitipana, Homagama. At that time, the university existed only as a design on paper. The bank needed to trust us and believe in the feasibility of this massive project in order to grant us a substantial loan. The loan was granted, and construction began and continued despite various macro and micro economic conditions. Throughout the entire project, the bank continued its support and service unwaveringly. Therefore, it holds a special place in the history of NSBM Green University.

Bank of Ceylon holds a truly special place among financial institutions in this country. What sets it apart is not merely its scale or history, but its approach to partnerships. The bank has consistently demonstrated a broader vision, one that takes into account national priorities, community development, and long-term social impact. In every engagement I’ve had with the Bank, I’ve seen how thoughtfully it responds to the real needs of its stakeholders. 

Whether it is offering tailor-made financial solutions or acting with foresight to enable long-term investments, BOC’s ability to strike a balance between commercial prudence and social responsibility is commendable.

Even more noteworthy is the consistent trust the Bank has earned from clients over the years, a trust it safeguards diligently through reliable support, transparent dealings, and timely interventions. From our own experience at NSBM Green University, I can confidently say that their warmth, professionalism, and efficiency, especially in handling student and institutional banking needs, have made them an invaluable partner.

Q: How has the Bank of Ceylon specifically supported the growth of NSBM Green University students?

 As mentioned, BOC’s financial support helped us lay the groundwork for what has become South Asia’s largest green university. The bank understood the national importance of creating a world-class higher education institution within Sri Lanka, and their timely support enabled us to pursue that vision with confidence.

The Bank of Ceylon, in collaboration with the Government of Sri Lanka, has extended its support to students selected by the Ministry of Education through a defined selection process. These students are offered specially designed education loan schemes under concessional terms. 

Students selected through this process also have the opportunity to pursue their higher education at NSBM Green University, with the support of these concessional loan facilities provided by the Bank of Ceylon.

These facilities have made it possible for deserving students, even those from low-income or rural backgrounds, to pursue their academic dreams without interruption. In recognition of the growing student population and their day-to-day banking needs, BOC also established a fully functioning branch within the NSBM campus, complete with ATM and CRM facilities. This has greatly eased access to financial services for our students. 

I must also acknowledge the excellent staff at this branch, who serve our community with professionalism, patience, and care. Their presence on campus has become an integral part of our student experience.

Q: As BOC continues to support higher education, what message would you like to share with the youth of Sri Lanka who aspire to pursue their academic goals?

 Today’s youth hold the future of Sri Lanka in their hands. The path toward a developed, knowledge-driven, and prosperous nation depends on how well we equip our young people with the education, skills, and confidence they need to lead. 

Institutions like NSBM Green University are here to provide that educational foundation. But access alone is not enough, it must be supported by financial inclusion and institutional backing.

This is where the Bank of Ceylon plays an irreplaceable role. BOC has made higher education more accessible by offering financial tools and support systems that truly make a difference. From education loans to campus banking infrastructure, the bank has shown its unwavering commitment to empowering the next generation.

To every student with a dream: know that you are not alone. Institutions like NSBM are here to guide your academic journey, and partners like the Bank of Ceylon are here to support you financially. Use these opportunities wisely. 

Make full use of the assistance available to you. Your dreams are valid, your future is important, and with the right support, you can absolutely turn your aspirations into accomplishments, for yourself, and for the country.