Bank of Ceylon celebrates World Children’s Day with a Savings Promotion Month

 Bank of Ceylon Deputy General Manager (Branch Operations) Priyal Silva 

The national theme for World Children’s Day 2025, ‘Protect Us with Love – To Win the World,’ emphasizes the importance of building a safe, loving, and knowledgeable environment for every child.” Bank of Ceylon has consistently committed to nurturing children’s futures by guiding them the leaders of tomorrow with love and care, while also encouraging them to develop the habit of saving from an early age. 

Among BOC’s portfolio of products designed for young savers, the BOC Ran Kekulu Smart Children’s Savings Account remains the most popular children’s savings account in the country. In addition, the bank offers the BOC 18+ Account, which supports youth as they transition into adulthood, along with BOC 14+, and other dedicated savings accounts.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Priyal Silva, Deputy General Manager (Branch Operations) at Bank of Ceylon, said: 

“As the ‘Bankers to the Nation,’ we are committed to providing the next generation, who will bear the responsibility of tomorrow, with a host of benefits. The BOC Ran Kekulu Smart Account has been redesigned in line with evolving needs, combined with modern technology, to remain relevant for young savers. A key feature is the additional 1.5% interest rate above normal savings accounts. Once a child turns 18, the Ran Kekulu Smart Account automatically converts to a Youth Savings Account with the applicable benefits. Furthermore, we introduced the Ran Kekulu Smart Investment Account, which allows weekly, monthly, or quarterly deposits through standing orders. This account also offers an additional 2.5% interest above regular savings.”

Announcing a month of celebrations for World Children’s Day, Bank of Ceylon has also introduced a special cash reward scheme to encourage children’s savings. Accordingly, a cash reward of Rs. 500 will be credited to children’s savings accounts with a fresh deposits from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 10,000, and a cash reward of Rs. 1,000 will be credited to accounts with a fresh deposits exceeding Rs. 10,000, directly to the child’s account.”

The Ran Kekulu Smart Account also provides insurance protection at no extra cost. Children, parents, and guardians are covered under this scheme, which offers up to Rs. 150,000 for accidental injuries and 12 critical illnesses. In the unfortunate event of the death or permanent disability of a parent or guardian up to the age of 65, a benefit of up to Rs. 1 million is paid. To qualify, accounts must maintain a minimum balance of Rs. 50,000 for 12 months. For hospitalization of the child, a minimum balance of Rs. 5,000 for the same period applies.

BOC further supports children’s education and creativity through initiatives such as the annual Ran Kekulu Seminars, conducted across all provinces for Grade 5 Scholarship Examination candidates, and the Punchi Picasso art competition. Each year, 2,000 Ran Kekulu account holders with top marks at the Grade 5 Scholarship Examination are awarded scholarships of Rs. 15,000 each, totaling Rs. 30 million.

Speaking further, Mr. Silva added:

“Bank of Ceylon has taken significant steps to support both present and future generations through a range of financial products such as savings accounts, fixed deposits, debit cards, and online banking facilities. For senior citizens, we offer the ‘BOC Senior Citizen’ account to provide added benefits for a comfortable retirement. In this way, BOC works to secure the future of children as well as the retirement of elders. We are also committed to introducing innovative financial services to meet evolving national needs.”

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.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.