By: Staff Writer
November 16, Colombo (LNW): The Bank of Ceylon has reinforced its status as the country’s most influential financial institution, reporting a Profit before Tax of Rs. 87.7 billion for the first nine months of 2025. The strong results signify the bank’s ability to stabilise, expand, and support the wider economy at a time when Sri Lanka continues rebuilding from recent fiscal shocks.
Chairman Kavinda de Zoysa said the results underscore how BOC blends commercial success with social responsibility. “Our growth must uplift every Sri Lankan. Through youth empowerment, SME support, and affordable digital services, we aim to build an economically empowered nation,” he said.
BOC recorded a 62% jump in Net Interest Income to Rs. 153.2 billion, supported by strategic interest rate management and rising customer activity. Interest income grew by 15%, while interest expenses fell by 5%, helping the bank widen its margins significantly. Non-interest income grew 11% to Rs. 16.8 billion on the back of expanding retail and digital banking usage.
Total operating income reached Rs. 181.1 billion, while costs were tightly controlled, rising only 6% and reducing the cost-to-income ratio to 32%. After settling taxes on financial services and income, BOC posted a Profit after Tax of Rs. 55.7 billion. The bank also contributed Rs. 55.3 billion to government revenue, underscoring its fiscal importance.
CEO Y.A. Jayathilaka highlighted that beyond financial performance, BOC’s strategy is anchored in community impact and long-term stability. “We are building a future of resilience, shared prosperity, and real economic value for the next generation,” he said.
BOC’s total assets rose to Rs. 5.5 trillion, with notable increases in government securities. Loans climbed to Rs. 2.5 trillion and deposits to Rs. 4.6 trillion. Credit quality remained stable, supported by an 18.7-billion-rupee impairment charge and strong provisioning.
The bank maintained solid capital levels and sector-leading liquidity, while key profitability metrics such as ROA and ROE remained strong.
Its digital transformation gathered momentum with the launch of the BizPlus MSME credit card, enhanced remittance platforms, and wider digital adoption across customer segments. Sustainability also gained traction, with 100 branches generating solar power and BOC joining global carbon-accounting initiatives.
On the ground, the bank expanded financial inclusion with new agent banking centres, the Gammana programme, and rural outreach efforts aimed at raising financial literacy and access.
With top global rankings from The Banker, recognition as Sri Lanka’s most valuable brand, and its AA-(lka) national rating reaffirmed by Fitch, BOC enters the remainder of 2025 in a position of unmatched strength, poised to deepen its role as the country’s economic anchor.
