Bank of Ceylon contributes Rs.500mn to Rebuilding Sri Lanka Fund

Bank of Ceylon Acting General Manager/CEO Y.A. Jayathilaka hands over a cheque worth Rs.500 million to Secretary to President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, in support of the government’s Rebuilding Sri Lanka Fund for Cyclone Ditwah relief. The event was held in the presence of BOC Chairman Kavinda de Zoysa, Chief Marketing Officer Sameera Liyanage and Chief Financial Officer M.P. Ruwan Kumara

Bank of Ceylon (BOC) has contributed Rs.500 million to the government’s Rebuilding Sri Lanka Fund, to support the communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah. 

The contribution, which was officially handed over, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to the national recovery efforts.

Cyclone Ditwah, which struck Sri Lanka in late November 2025, during the northeast monsoon, caused widespread devastation across the island, affecting over two million people and severely damaging homes, infrastructure, livelihoods and essential services. The scale of the disaster underscored the need for strong institutional support to accelerate recovery and rebuilding. As bankers to the nation, BOC serves as the key banking channel for the government’s disaster relief initiatives.

The foreign contributors were facilitated through the bank’s Internet Payment Gateway, allowing seamless online donations. BOC’s UK Ltd and Chennai branches actively facilitated the overseas contributions from Friends of Sri Lanka, while creating pathways for donations in coordination with the foreign high commissions. 

In addition, the Maldives branch played a key role in facilitating the donors in sending donations to Sri Lanka. 

BOC also played a pivotal role in supporting the nation during the aftermath of the Easter attack, economic downturn and fuel crisis.

In addition to the financial contribution, BOC along with the staff members, immediately provided dry rations and essential items valued at Rs.50 million to the affected communities across all the affected provinces. With a customer base of over 16 million, many of whom were impacted by the disaster, BOC’s contribution reflects its strong corporate social responsibility, sustainability focus and commitment to supporting national resilience and long-term economic recovery.