Bank of Ceylon (BOC) Maldives has celebrated its 45th anniversary, marking more than four decades of contributing to the Maldivian banking sector while strengthening financial and economic ties between Sri Lanka and the Maldives. The milestone was commemorated with a special customer felicitation ceremony attended by the Bank’s senior leadership, valued customers and business partners.
The event was attended by BOC Chairman Kavinda de Zoysa, General Manager/Chief Executive Officer Y.A. Jayathilaka, Acting Senior Deputy General Manager and Head of Global Markets G.A. Jayashantha, Chief Manager – Overseas Branches Division Harischandra Hewage, Country Manager Manjula Herath, and the staff of BOC Maldives. Bank officials expressed appreciation for the trust and confidence placed in the institution while highlighting its longstanding contribution to strengthening economic cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.
A key highlight of the celebration was the announcement of the upcoming launch of Internet Banking services in the Maldives, representing another milestone in the Bank’s digital transformation journey. BOC Maldives has consistently embraced technological innovation, having been the first bank in the Maldives to introduce Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), demonstrating its pioneering role in the country’s banking sector.
Since commencing operations in 1981, BOC Maldives has played a significant role in financing projects across tourism, infrastructure, government, construction, real estate, fisheries and aviation, while also arranging syndicated financing for major resort and strategic infrastructure developments. In 2025, the branch channelled US$126.4 million in remittances to Sri Lanka, reinforcing its importance in facilitating financial connectivity between the two nations.
The anniversary not only celebrated BOC Maldives’ legacy of banking excellence but also underscored its commitment to innovation, customer service and regional economic development, positioning the Bank for continued growth and stronger financial partnerships in the years ahead.