For 87 years, Bank of Ceylon (BOC) has stood as an enduring symbol of trust, stability and national progress. As Sri Lanka’s largest and most trusted financial institution, BOC has grown alongside the nation, supporting generations of individuals, empowering businesses, strengthening communities and contributing to the country’s economic transformation. More than a bank, it has become a national institution whose legacy is defined not only by financial strength, but by the confidence it has earned from millions of Sri Lankans.
Today, that enduring trust has once again translated into national recognition. Being recognised as Sri Lanka’s Most Valuable Brand is not simply a reflection of market leadership; it is the culmination of 87 years of unwavering commitment to customers, innovation and inclusive growth. With a brand value of Rs65.5 billion,
representing a 14.1% yearon-year growth, an upgraded AAA Brand Strength Rating, and the distinction of being the only Sri Lankan bank ranked among the World’s Top 500 Banking Brands, Bank of Ceylon continues to set the benchmark for excellence both locally and internationally.
This commitment is supported by exceptional financial strength. As Sri Lanka’s largest corporate taxpayer, Bank of Ceylon contributed Rs77 billion in taxes to the Government, reaffirming its vital role in supporting national development and the country’s economic progress. The Bank also recorded a Profit Before Tax of Rs120.8 billion, reflecting its resilience, prudent financial management and ability to create sustainable value while remaining a trusted partner to individuals, businesses and the nation.
Innovation has become a defining pillar of BOC’s transformation. The launch of BOC Flex marked a significant milestone in reshaping digital banking in Sri Lanka. Today, with over 2.5 million users and more than Rs2 trillion in transaction value, BOC Flex has evolved into one of the country’s most comprehensive digital banking ecosystems. The introduction of BOC Flex Tap & Pay, Sri Lanka’s first mobile banking wallet-based contactless payment solution, together with BOC QR and the upcoming BOC CFlex for Corporates, reflects the Bank’s commitment to delivering secure, intelligent, and convenient banking experiences for both individuals and businesses.
While innovation drives the future, inclusion remains at the heart of the Bank’s purpose. Bank of Ceylon has successfully expanded its presence across all 331 Divisional Secretariat Divisions, ensuring that quality banking services are within reach of every Sri Lankan. Through the expansion of BOC Connect Agent Banking, customers now enjoy greater convenience beyond traditional branch networks. The Bank has also extended banking services to Sri Lanka’s indigenous (Vedda) community while continuing to provide specialised financial solutions, including Islamic Banking, ensuring that every community has equal access to financial opportunities and economic empowerment.
Together with more than 2,500 customer touchpoints, including branches, self-service banking facilities, ATMs, CRMs, digital centres and BOC Connect agent banking centres, along with its international presence in the United Kingdom, India (Chennai), Maldives and Seychelles, BOC continues to provide convenient and reliable banking services locally and globally.
The Bank’s commitment to responsible banking is equally significant. By issuing Sri Lanka’s largest Basel III-compliant Tier II Sustainability Bond, valued at Rs20 billion, Bank of Ceylon demonstrated its leadership in sustainable finance. This achievement was further recognised globally with the Innovation – Sustainability Bond Structure in Asia and the Pacific (APAC) award at the Environmental Finance Sustainable Debt Awards 2026, reinforcing the Bank’s commitment to financing a more sustainable future.
As part of its commitment to corporate social responsibility and national recovery efforts, Bank of Ceylon contributed Rs500 million to the Government’s “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” Fund to support communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah. This initiative reflects the Bank’s longstanding role in supporting communities and contributing towards national resilience during times of need, such as the chaos following the Easter Sunday Attacks, the COVID pandemic, the economic crisis, Ditwah-a natural calamity, etc.
As Bank of Ceylon celebrates 87 years of trust, leadership and transformation, it looks ahead with confidence and purpose. The Bank remains committed to driving innovation, expanding financial inclusion, advancing sustainability and delivering service excellence while continuing to empower individuals, enable businesses and strengthen communities.
Because Bank of Ceylon is more than Sri Lanka’s largest bank. It is the institution that has grown with the nation, earned its trust and continues to shape its future.
How do you view this recognition as a reflection of the Bank’s enduring trust, institutional strength and contribution to Sri Lanka’s economic and social progress?
Kavinda de Zoysa: This recognition is far more than an acknowledgement of our brand; it is a reflection of the enduring trust that generations of Sri Lankans have placed in Bank of Ceylon. Trust has always been our greatest asset, and it has been earned through decades of prudent governance, financial resilience and an unwavering commitment to serving the nation through every stage of its development.
As Sri Lanka’s largest and most trusted bank, we have consistently balanced commercial success with our broader national responsibility. Whether supporting entrepreneurs, strengthening businesses, financing infrastructure, promoting financial inclusion, or enabling economic recovery during challenging periods, our role has always extended beyond banking.
This recognition also reflects the dedication of our employees, the confidence of our customers, and the strength of the governance framework that guides every decision we make. It reaffirms that sustainable value is created not only through financial performance but also through integrity, innovation and responsible leadership.
While we are honoured by this achievement, we view it as a responsibility rather than a destination. It inspires us to continue strengthening our institution, embracing innovation responsibly and creating lasting value for our customers, stakeholders and the nation while contributing meaningfully to Sri Lanka’s long-term economic and social progress.
The 2025 Annual Report calls BOC’s strategy a “Rubik’s Cube” of innovation, stability and governance. How has this helped you articulate objectives more clearly?
Kavinda: The Rubik’s Cube analogy was chosen because it captures the complexity of leading a modern financial institution. Every element of the Bank innovation, governance, financial resilience, customer experience, people, technology, and sustainability is interconnected. Progress in one area must reinforce the others if we are to create lasting value.
Rather than viewing these priorities independently, the framework encourages us to think holistically. It provides clarity in how we define success and ensures that strategic decisions remain aligned with our long-term purpose. Innovation, for example, must always be supported by sound governance. Growth must be accompanied by resilience. Digital transformation must enhance customer trust rather than compromise it.
This approach also strengthens organisational alignment. It enables our leadership teams to make decisions within a common strategic framework while ensuring that every initiative contributes to sustainable institutional growth and national development.
Ultimately, the Rubik’s Cube is not simply a metaphor; it represents our philosophy of leadership. Sustainable success comes from maintaining balance between transformation and stability while remaining focused on creating value for customers, shareholders, employees and the country. That balanced perspective continues to guide our strategic direction as we prepare Bank of Ceylon for the future.
In 2025, BOC issued Sri Lanka’s largest-ever sustainability bond. Is raising capital through instruments like this part of a deliberate strategy you intend to keep building on?
Kavinda: Yes, very much so. The successful issuance of Sri Lanka’s largest sustainability bond represents a significant milestone in the Bank’s strategic evolution. It demonstrates our ability to mobilise capital in ways that strengthen our balance sheet while creating meaningful economic, environmental and social impact.
Sustainable finance is no longer a niche area; it has become an integral component of responsible banking. Through initiatives such as this, we can channel capital towards renewable energy, green infrastructure, sustainable enterprises, SMEs and projects that contribute to inclusive national development. These investments strengthen economic resilience while supporting Sri Lanka’s broader sustainability objectives.
This recognition also reflects the dedication of our employees, the confidence of our customers, and the strength of the governance framework that guides every decision we make.
– Kavinda de Zoysa, Chairman at Bank of Ceylon
Equally important, the bond reflects our commitment to aligning with internationally recognised sustainability principles and best practices. As investor expectations continue to evolve, responsible financing will play an increasingly important role in strengthening confidence in Sri Lanka’s financial sector.
Going forward, we intend to continue exploring innovative financing mechanisms that enhance capital strength, support sustainable economic growth and create long-term value for all stakeholders. Our objective is not simply to raise capital but to ensure that capital is deployed inways that contribute to a stronger, more resilient economy and a more sustainable future for generations to come.
BOC has remained a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s financial system for generations. In today’s rapidly evolving banking landscape, what do you believe is the Bank’s greatest responsibility over the next decade?
Kavinda: Our greatest responsibility is to remain the institution that Sri Lankans trust most—not only for financial services but also for stability, leadership and national progress.
The banking industry is undergoing profound transformation driven by technology, changing customer expectations, sustainability and evolving global economic dynamics. While we must continue embracing innovation and digital transformation, we must do so without losing the principles that have defined Bank of Ceylon for more than eight decades: trust, integrity, prudence and service to the nation.
Over the next decade, our focus will be on accelerating digital innovation, expanding financial inclusion, strengthening governance, investing in our people and embedding sustainability into every aspect of our business. We also have a responsibility to support businesses, empower entrepreneurs and create opportunities that contribute to inclusive economic growth across Sri Lanka.
Above all, our role is to ensure that Bank of Ceylon remains resilient in times of uncertainty while continuing to create lasting value for customers, shareholders, employees and society.
Leadership is not measured simply by size or market position; it is measured by the confidence people place in an institution. Preserving and strengthening that confidence will remain our highest priority as we build the next chapter of Bank of Ceylon’s legacy with the customer at the heart of everything we do.
What does this recognition as Sri Lanka’s Most Valuable Brand signify for Bank of Ceylon and how does it reflect the Bank’s long-term commitment to creating value for customers, businesses and the nation?
Y.A. Jayathilaka: Being recognised as Sri Lanka’s Most Valuable Brand, yet again, is a significant achievement for Bank of Ceylon, but more importantly, it is a reaffirmation of the trust and confidence placed in us by the people. As a bank that has served the nation for over eight decades, our brand is built not only on our financial strength, but also on our ability to remain resilient, relevant and responsible through changing and challenging times.
This recognition reinforces our commitment to creating lasting value for our customers and stakeholders, supporting businesses and entrepreneurs, and contributing to the nation’s economic progress. It is also a recognition of the dedication of our employees, whose commitment and professionalism continue to strengthen the Bank’s standing and value.
Looking to the future, we will continue to focus on leveraging our strong heritage and trusted presence with the latest in innovation, digital transformation and inclusive growth, ensuring that BOC continues to be a dependable partner in Sri Lanka’s journey towards sustainable economic development for generations to come.
BOC Flex has achieved over 2.5 million registrations. As it evolves into a “super app,” what is the biggest opportunity you see?
Jayathilaka: The achievement of over 2.5 million registrations demonstrates the growing acceptance of digital banking and the confidence customers place in BOC to meet their evolving financial needs. The opportunity ahead is to build on this momentum and create a truly connected digital ecosystem that makes banking simpler, more accessible and more relevant to everyday life.
As BOC Flex evolves, our focus will be on introducing a wider range of banking and financial services through a single trusted platform, while ensuring that the experience remains intuitive, secure and convenient. We also see significant potential to use technology and datadriven insights responsibly to offer more personalised services and respond more effectively to all our customers’ needs in a drive towards a truly digital payment ecosystem.
At the same time, our digital transformation is not about replacing the human connection that defines BOC. It is about complementing our extensive physical presence with digital access, enabling us to serve customers wherever and whenever they need us.
Ultimately, the opportunity is to use technology to deepen financial inclusion and empower individuals and businesses across Sri Lanka.
How is BOC leveraging innovation and emerging technologies to enhance customer experience while maintaining trust and reliability?
Jayathilaka: At BOC, we believe technology must serve a clear purpose: to make banking more inclusive, accessible, efficient and secure for all our customers. We are therefore embracing digital innovation and emerging technologies, while remaining firmly grounded in the trust and reliability that have defined the Bank for generations.
Our approach is to combine technology, datadriven insights and process improvements to deliver faster and more seamless banking experiences through initiatives such as our Islandwide QR payment campaign, as well as our recently launched Tap and Pay and CFlex, which reflect our vision for a truly digitalised ecosystem.
At the same time, we continue to place strong emphasis on cybersecurity, risk management and responsible use of technology, because innovation can only create sustainable value when it is supported by confidence and security.
For us, digital transformation is not simply about adopting new technologies. It is about reimagining how we serve our customers and how we support businesses and communities through unique products created to drive a cashless economic model as a primary goal in the mid- to long-term.
“As part of its commitment to corporate social responsibility and national recovery efforts, Bank of Ceylon contributed Rs500 million to the Government’s “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” Fund to support communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah.”
By bringing together our trusted brand, extensive reach and growing digital capabilities, we aim to ensure that customers benefit from the convenience of modern banking without compromising the reliability, security and human connection they have come to expect from Bank of Ceylon.
Looking ahead, what are your strategic priorities for sustaining BOC’s leadership, driving sustainable growth and creating longterm value?
Jayathilaka: Our strategic priorities are centred on strengthening the Bank’s position as a trusted financial partner while preparing BOC to meet the needs of a rapidly changing economy and society. We will continue to accelerate digital transformation, enhance customer experience and drive operational excellence across the organisation.
At the same time, we remain focused on supporting sustainable economic growth by strengthening our contribution to businesses, entrepreneurs and priority sectors of the economy, while advancing sustainable and responsible financing through unique initiatives such as our Agri Banking Unit, where the focus will be assisting those in the agricultural sector to upscale through technology.
Our people will remain central to this journey. Investing in talent, building future-ready capabilities and fostering a culture of innovation and accountability are essential to sustaining our performance over the long term.
Ultimately, our priority is to balance growth with resilience and responsibility. By combining disciplined execution with innovation, strengthening our risk management and remaining responsive to the needs of our customers and the nation, we will continue to create enduring value for all our stakeholders and uphold BOC’s role as the Bankers to the Nation.
BOC’s brand value grew 14% in 2026. What do you put that down to—something tangible like a product launch, or something less tangible like trust and perception?
Sameera Liyanage: BOC’s 14% growth in brand value in 2026 is not the result of a single campaign or product launch. It reflects decades of consistent performance, sustained brand investment and, most importantly, the trust we have earned by delivering value to Sri Lankans for over 87 years.
A major contributor has been our continued investment in digital innovation. BOC Flex has evolved into a comprehensive digital banking ecosystem with over 2.5 million users, facilitating transactions exceeding Rs. 2 trillion. Innovations such as Flex Wallet, Tap & Pay, CFlex and integrated government payment services have enhanced convenience and strengthened customer engagement.
However, technology alone does not build a valuable brand. What truly differentiates Bank of Ceylon is our unwavering commitment to the nation. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the economic crisis and recent natural disasters, we stood beside individuals, businesses and communities by ensuring uninterrupted banking services, extending financial support and contributing to national recovery. These are the moments that deepen customer trust and strengthen brand equity.
Today, Bank of Ceylon serves more than 16 million customer accounts, with around 67% of Sri Lanka’s Gen Z population banking with us. This reflects the confidence customers continue to place in our brand and the success of our focus on financial inclusion, youth engagement and digital transformation.
Our brand strength is also validated through independent recognition, including being Sri Lanka’s Most Valuable Brand, the only Sri Lankan bank in the Brand Finance Global Top 500 Banking Brands, achieving Superbrands status and being named the SLIM Kantar Banking Services Brand of the Year.
Ultimately, our brand value is built on trust, innovation and purpose. By continuing to invest in customer experience, digital transformation and national development, we will continue to strengthen the BOC brand for the long term.
“By issuing Sri Lanka’s largest Basel III-compliant Tier II Sustainability Bond, valued at Rs. 20 billion, Bank of Ceylon demonstrated its leadership in sustainable finance.”
With changing customer behaviours and the rapid growth of digital banking, how is BOC using technology-driven platforms, data insights and digital communication channels to build deeper engagement with customers?
Sameera: Customer expectations have changed significantly. Today’s customers expect banking to be personalised, intuitive, secure and available whenever and wherever they need it. Our strategy is therefore increasingly driven by customer insights, technology and data-informed decision-making.
Digital transformation at Bank of Ceylon goes beyond developing digital products— it is about making banking more accessible and inclusive for every Sri Lankan.
Through our expanding digital ecosystem, including BOC Flex and our integrated digital services, we engage customers with relevant, timely and personalised experiences. Data analytics enable us to better understand customer needs and behaviours, helping us deliver more meaningful solutions throughout every stage of their financial journey.
We are also actively promoting QR payment adoption while encouraging greater digital financial literacy across the country. These initiatives are helping customers confidently embrace secure and convenient digital banking.
At the same time, we have significantly expanded our digital communication ecosystem. Today, our official presence spans Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok, X, WhatsApp, our corporate website, contact centre and other digital platforms. Bank of Ceylon now leads the Sri Lankan banking sector in terms of Facebook, Instagram and YouTube communities, while our LinkedIn and TikTok platforms continue to grow strongly. More importantly, these platforms have evolved beyond promotional channels into direct customer engagement platforms, enabling us to listen, respond and build stronger relationships through real-time interaction.
Our website has also been enhanced to provide a more customer-centric and mobile-responsive experience, ensuring convenient access to banking information and services across devices.
Another important aspect of our strategy is expanding access through innovative service delivery models. Our growing BOC Connect Agent Banking network, established in partnership with Sri Lanka Post, brings banking services closer to customers within their own communities. These service points extend banking accessibility beyond traditional branch hours, including Saturdays, reducing travel time and costs while providing secure, paperless banking supported by instant SMS confirmations.
Financial inclusion remains central to our strategy. Bank of Ceylon proudly serves customers across every socio-economic segment—from A to E— and continues expanding services into remote communities, including island locations such as Analaitivu in the Northern Province and Maduganga in the South. Our objective is to ensure that no Sri Lankan is left behind as the country embraces digital transformation.
Technology enables these experiences, but trust remains the foundation. Every innovation we introduce must strengthen the security, reliability and confidence that have defined Bank of Ceylon for generations.
Looking towards the future, what role will emerging technologies, innovative brand strategies and customer-focused digital experiences play in shaping BOC’s next phase of growth and global recognition?
Sameera: The future of banking will be defined by intelligent technology, seamless customer experiences and trusted brands. At Bank of Ceylon, we see these not as separate priorities, but as complementary strengths that will shape our next phase of growth.
Artificial Intelligence, advanced analytics, automation and increasingly personalised digital experiences will enable us to anticipate customer needs, simplify financial services and deliver more proactive, efficient and relevant banking solutions. As our digital ecosystem continues to evolve, we will continue investing in innovations that enhance convenience while maintaining the highest standards of security and reliability.
From a brand perspective, our strategy will remain firmly rooted in authenticity. Strong brands are built through consistently delivering value—not simply communicating it. We will continue investing in our brand, strengthening customer engagement across both physical and digital channels, while ensuring that every innovation reflects our purpose and reinforces customer trust.
Equally important is our commitment to financial inclusion and national development. As Sri Lanka’s largest and most trusted bank, serving customers across every socio-economic segment, we believe innovation should benefit every citizen—not only those who are digitally advanced. Our continued investments in digital accessibility, community banking, sustainability and customer education will ensure that no one is left behind.
While we are proud to be recognised as Sri Lanka’s Most Valuable Brand, our ambition extends beyond national recognition. By combining innovation, customer-centricity, sustainability and the enduring trust built over more than eight decades, Bank of Ceylon is well positioned to further strengthen its reputation as a respected banking brand across the region and increasingly on the global stage.