Bank of Ceylon (BOC) concluded the financial year ended December 31, 2025 with a landmark performance, recording a Profit After Tax (PAT) of 76 billion rupees, an 18 percent increase over the previous year, while Profit Before Tax (PBT) reached 120.8 billion rupees.
The year marked not only strong financial growth but also a decisive shift toward sustainable and inclusive banking, reinforcing BOC’s dual commitment to profitability and national development.
Kavinda de Zoysa, Chairman, BOC described 2025 as a record-breaking year reflecting resilience, strategic clarity, and disciplined execution amid a transforming economic landscape. A key milestone was the successful issuance of a 20 billion rupees Basel III–compliant Tier II Sustainability Bond — the largest sustainability bond issued in Sri Lanka and the first by a state-owned bank. The proceeds will finance green and social projects, including renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, SMEs, healthcare, education, water management, and essential infrastructure.
BOC reported Total Operating Income of 246.8 billion rupees, up 36 percent year-on-year, driven by growth in both interest and non-interest income.
Net Interest Income rose 24 percent to 206.9 billion rupees, supported by improved margins and effective asset-liability management. Interest income grew to 496.2 billion rupees, while interest expenses declined slightly to 289.2 billion rupees due to disciplined balance sheet management. Net fee and commission income increased 12 percent to 23.1 billion rupees, supported by higher digital transactions, card services, trade finance, and remittances.
Total operating expenses rose nine percent to 73 billion rupees, reflecting strategic investments in technology,human capital, and service infrastructure. Revenue growth outpaced cost increases, resulting in an Operating Profit Before Taxes on Financial Services of 152.7 billion rupees. After taxes, the Bank achieved a strong PAT of 76 billion rupees, underscoring balanced growth and financial discipline.
Y. A. Jayathilaka, Acting General Manager/Chief Executive Officer, BOC emphasized that 2025 was defined not only by financial strength but by sustainable impact. BOC expanded green financing, accelerated digital transformation, strengthened cybersecurity, and enhanced customer-centric platforms.
The Bank maintained prudent credit risk management, recording an impairment charge of 20.7 billion rupees. The Stage 3 loan ratio improved to 5.59 percent from 7.17 percent, while the provision coverage ratio strengthened to 57.91 percent, reflecting effective recovery and conservative provisioning. Total assets surpassed 5.5 trillion rupees, growing ten percent year-on-year. Gross loans reached 2.6 trillion rupees, and deposits expanded to 4.4 trillion rupees. Return on Assets (before tax) improved to 2.31 percent, while Return on Equity moderated slightly to 22.74 percent.
Net Interest Margin strengthened to 3.96 percent. Capital adequacy remained well above regulatory requirements, with a Common Equity Tier 1 ratio of 11.44 percent and Total Capital Ratio of 16.89 percent, supported by strong liquidity buffers. Digital innovation remained central to BOC’s strategy. The Bank established Bank of Ceylon Information Technology Solutions, launched Sri Lanka’s first biodegradable PLA-based banking card, introduced 50 new BOC Connect Agent Banking Centers, and enhanced platforms such as BOC Flex and SmartPay. Demonstrating true corporate responsibility, BOC contributed 500 million rupees to the Government’s “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” Fund and provided 50 million rupees in emergency relief following Cyclone Ditwah. Looking ahead to 2026, BOC remains focused on sustainable growth, digital acceleration, prudent risk governance, and delivering long-term stakeholder value while supporting Sri Lanka’s economic transformation.
