The Bank of Ceylon has delivered a landmark financial performance in the first nine months of 2025, posting a Profit Before Tax (PBT) of Rs. 87.7 billion—a growth of 133% over the previous year. This dramatic leap highlights the bank’s rapid digital transformation, renewed lending appetite, and deepening support for the small-business sector.
Chairman Kavinda de Zoysa said BOC’s strategy focuses on aligning financial strength with national development goals. “Profitability must translate into empowerment. Our mission is to widen access to finance, foster entrepreneurship, and strengthen economic resilience,” he said.
A significant driver of BOC’s growth was the 62% rise in Net Interest Income, reaching Rs. 153.2 billion due to better margins and steady expansion in lending. The bank’s interest income recorded Rs. 368.1 billion, outpacing the decline in interest expenses and supporting sustainable profitability. Non-fund income, including fees from cards, retail transactions and remittances, grew 11%, continuing the bank’s shift towards digital-based revenue streams.
Operating income surged to Rs. 181.1 billion, while operating expenses rose modestly to Rs. 51.8 billion. BOC’s cost-to-income ratio improved significantly, demonstrating tight cost discipline and efficiency gains.
After tax obligations amounting to Rs. 55.3 billion, the bank posted a Profit After Tax (PAT) of Rs. 55.7 billion. CEO Y.A. Jayathilaka described the results as proof of customer confidence and the bank’s long-term strategy of sustainable expansion. “Our commitment is not just to financial growth, but to broad-based opportunity and community impact,” he said.
BOC’s asset base crossed Rs. 5.5 trillion, marking an 11% year-to-date rise, primarily through investments in government securities and resale agreements. The loan book expanded to Rs. 2.5 trillion, signalling improving economic sentiment, while deposits climbed 9% to Rs. 4.6 trillion.
The bank continued to maintain strong credit risk controls, recognising Rs. 18.7 billion in impairments and keeping Stage 3 loan coverage at 56.24%. Capital ratios remained well above regulatory requirements, and liquidity stood at some of the highest levels in the sector.
Digital transformation remained a core focus. The launch of the BizPlus Credit Card in partnership with Mastercard targeted MSME financing needs, while BOC Flex and Smart Remit strengthened digital access for both domestic and overseas customers. The bank also expanded solar generation across branches and joined the Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials to step up sustainability reporting.
BOC widened its physical reach by opening 50 new Agent Banking Centres and operating community-focused Gammana centres. These initiatives, the bank said, are essential to increasing rural financial inclusion.
With international rankings, brand leadership titles, and reaffirmed credit ratings, BOC enters the final quarter of 2025 poised to sustain growth through expanded digital services, risk-balanced lending, and nationwide inclusion programmes.
