R M N Jeewantha, Deputy General Manager (Development Banking and Branch Credit Operations – Range 2), BOC.
For over 85 years, the Bank of Ceylon (BOC) has upheld its legacy as “Bankers to the Nation,” consistently committed to empowering Sri Lankans through its expert financial services. Recognizing the vital role of youth in shaping the future, BOC goes beyond traditional banking to support the education and development of young minds. With a strong emphasis on fostering growth and opportunity, BOC continues to be a driving force in nurturing the aspirations of Sri Lanka’s youth, ensuring they are equipped to lead the nation toward a brighter tomorrow.
R. M. N. Jeewantha, Deputy General Manager (Development Banking and Branch Credit Operations – Range 2) at Bank of Ceylon, shared the Bank’s vision for youth empowerment and how it aligns with Sri Lanka’s broader development goals. “Youth is the foundation of a nation’s growth,” Jeewantha remarked passionately. “At the Bank of Ceylon, we believe that access to quality education is a right, not a privilege. Our aim is to bridge financial gaps, ensuring that no student’s potential goes unrealized.”
BOC’s educational loan program embodies this philosophy, offering financial support for higher education, both locally and internationally, to salaried employees and professionals. The scheme covers up to 90 percent of tuition fees and provides flexible repayment terms of up to five years. With loans accessible through an extensive network of 658 branches across the island, BOC has made quality education attainable for countless young Sri Lankans.
In addition to academics, BOC is equally committed to fostering entrepreneurship. Jeewantha proudly highlighted the ‘BOC Youth’ loan scheme, which is tailored to support young entrepreneurs in launching and expanding their businesses.
“We’ve helped over 10,000 young entrepreneurs realize their business ambitions. Our assistance goes beyond fund- ing; we provide mentorship and guidance, helping many businesses transition to export markets,” he explained.
This entrepreneurial drive is further bolstered through BOC’s ‘SME Circle’ and ‘Export Circle’ initiatives, which cater to small and medium enterprises—the backbone of Sri Lanka’s economy.
Acknowledging the evolv- ing aspirations of today’s youth, Jeewantha shared how BOC integrates cutting-edge technology into its services. “From SME Online Loan Ap- plications to SmartPay, Smart Online Banking, and the B App, we’ve prioritized digi- tal transformation to ensure that our banking solutions are accessible, fast, and future- ready,” he said.
“The future of our nation rests on the shoulders of its youth. At the Bank of Ceylon, we stand ready to support your aspirations, whether they lie in academics, entrepreneurship, or innovation. Together, let’s build a resilient and prosper- ous Sri Lanka.”
