Sri Lanka's Banking Giant BoC forges ahead....

In January, 2009, the Bank of Ceylon (BoC) was ranked 1,229th among the world's top banks by Bankers Almanac, the leading provider of reference data solutions to the global banking industry BoC was the first Sri Lankan bank to win such an accolade way back in 1995, when it was ranked amongst the top 200 Asian Banks, overtaking all its Sri Lankan peers.

Later in 1997, it was the first Sri Lankan bank to be ranked among the top 1,000 banks in the world by the Bankers' Almanac. Since then it has continued its journey towards excellence consistently maintaining its country ranking of No. 1.

The bank its extensive global network, largest asset base and management discipline boasts a potent mix for sound operating performance.

Its concerted focus on risk management in addition to operational strategies limited the direct impacts of a particularly chaotic financial market environment highlighted as a challenge for the overall industry in the recent past.

BoC has played a pivotal role in reaching to the rural segments of society by enabling individuals to strengthen their entrepreneurial base through varied microfinance and credit schemes. The bank strives to alleviate poverty through sustainable economic development and is the premier provider of financial access to rural Sri Lanka.

With 305 branches including a full service unit in London and access to over 600 correspondent banks, the Bank has a truly international footprint. BoC is already very well known in many countries for its service and performance," said Dr. Gamini Wickramasinghe, Chairman.

"The ranking in Bankers' Almanac simply reinforces our positioning amongst the best banks in Asia and the world. We are proud of this recognition."