As “Bankers to the Nation,” Bank of Ceylon (BOC) has achieved a historic milestone by establishing a presence across all 331 Divisional Secretariat Divisions in Sri Lanka with the opening of the BOC Connect Agency Banking Centre at the Welipitiya Post Office. Notably, prior to this development, the Welipitiya Divisional Secretariat Division did not have a banking centre, making this expansion particularly significant for the local community. This achievement marks another important step in the Bank’s long standing commitment to financial inclusion, accessibility, and national development, ensuring that banking services are within reach of every Sri Lankan.
BOC has consistently achieved inclusive banking by reaching communities across urban, rural, and underserved regions. The establishment of the Welipitiya BOC Connect Agent Banking Centre reinforces the Bank’s commitment to expanding access to banking services while providing convenient, secure, and technology driven financial solutions to its customers.
Chairman of Bank of Ceylon Mr Kavinda de Zoysa stated:
“This milestone reflects the very core DNA of Bank of Ceylon – trust, stability, financial inclusiveness, and national commitment. Reaching all 331 Divisional Secretariat Divisions is not merely an expansion achievement; it is a powerful statement of our purpose as the Bankers to the Nation.
At BOC, we have always believed that no one should be left behind. Our mission is to connect people, create opportunities, and ensure access to formal financial services regardless of geography or socio-economic background. By this achivement we have fulfilled our responsibility of ensuring that every citizen has the opportunity and right to access financial services.”
The expansion of the BOC Connect network plays a pivotal role in promoting financial inclusion by bringing essential banking services closer to communities while reducing the need for customers to travel long distances. Through BOC Connect agent banking facilities, customers can conveniently access deposits, withdrawals, utility bill payments, account-related services, and digital banking support within their own communities.
General Manager/Chief Executive Officer of Bank of Ceylon Mr Y A Jayathilaka remarked:
“Reaching all 331 Divisional Secretariat Divisions is a significant milestone that reflects Bank of Ceylon’s commitment to making banking accessible to every Sri Lankan. Through the continued expansion of the BOC Connect network, we are strengthening financial inclusion while accelerating digital transformation across the country.
This achievement demonstrates our ability to combine innovation, convenience, and customer-centric service to meet the evolving needs of communities nationwide. We remain committed to empowering individuals and businesses, supporting national development, and creating a more inclusive and digitally connected future for all Sri Lankans.”
More than an expansion of its physical footprint, this achievement is about creating opportunities, strengthening communities, and enabling greater participation in the formal economy. By ensuring banking access across every Divisional Secretariat Division in the country, BOC continues to support economic growth, entrepreneurship, and financial empowerment at the grassroots level while contributing to broader national development objectives.
The milestone further strengthens BOC’s standing as a financial institution of national significance. The Bank currently operates over 2,500 customer touchpoints across Sri Lanka, including branches, BOC Connect Agent Banking Centres, Digi Centres, ATMs, CRMs and CDMs, while maintaining an international presence in India, Maldives, Seychelles, and the United Kingdom. Its continued commitment to excellence has earned recognition as the most valuable brand in Sri Lanka and among the World’s Top 500 Banking Brands. Further demonstrating its leadership in digital innovation, the BOC Flex App recently secured a triple win at the Digital CX Awards in Singapore, highlighting the Bank’s success in delivering world-class digital banking experiences to customers.
As the country’s highest profit making bank and one of the largest contributors to national tax revenue, BOC continues to play a vital role in strengthening Sri Lanka’s economy while supporting businesses, entrepreneurs, communities, and individuals across every corner of the island. Throughout decades of economic cycles, national challenges, and periods of uncertainty, Bank of Ceylon has remained a pillar of resilience and stability. The successful completion of all 331 Divisional Secretariat Divisions with the opening of the Welipitiya BOC Connect Agent Banking Centre is another testament to the Bank’s enduring promise to serve every Sri Lankan, promote financial inclusion, and drive sustainable national development while creating greater access to financial opportunities across the country.
