BoC Kandy celebrates 70th anniversary

Sarath Kumra Rajapakse and Kandy North Special

Bank of Ceylon - Supra Grade, Kandy branch held an anniversary celebration recently to mark the 70th Anniversary of the Bank of Ceylon which was established in 1939.

This ceremony was presided over by Central Province DIG Pujith Jayasundara.

The Bank of Ceylon began its operations in 1939 with a cadre of 40 employees in Colombo. Today the work force has risen to a massive 900 employees. Kandy branch was set up in 1942 as an outstation bank.

The Bank of Ceylon was nationalised in 1961 and since then it has become close to the people of the country. During this period People's Bank also came into serve the people.

The capital from the then Rs. 100 million has now increased to Rs. 300 billion. this shows that the Bank of Ceylon has been able to attract the business community which constitutes 50 percent.

The Bank of Ceylon has branches in all parts of the country. Its branches at Kilinochchi and Mankulam which have now been out of operation will be put into full operation very shortly. Steps have also been taken to open up bank activities in these areas within the next few months.

Bank of Ceylon is expected to play a major role in the development activities of the North and East after the liberation of these areas.

This bank hopes to assist the farmers in these areas by granting loan facilities to them to ensure them a better livelihood in the future.