Bank of Ceylon has launched the BOC Agri Banking Unit to support sustainable growth and innovation in Sri Lanka’s agriculture sector, offering enhanced financial support for modern, technology-driven agribusiness. The new Agri Banking Unit expands this commitment by introducing specialized financial solutions tailored to modern agriculture. The unit will support segments such as crop cultivation, livestock, fisheries, horticulture, and smart agriculture, encouraging modernization and better access to financial services. The unit was inaugurated by Kavinda De Zoysa, Chairman, and Y. A. Jayathilaka, GM/CEO, marking a milestone in strengthening financial support for agribusiness. Kavinda De Zoysa, Chairman, highlighted the global potential of Sri Lankan agriculture: “Sri Lanka’s agri-culture must evolve into a modern, technology-driven industry. Through this unit, we aim to empower farmers with financial strength, tech-nology know-how, and solu-tions to scale up and reach global markets,” he said. The unit will integrate modern technologies, such as precision agriculture tools and advanced crop manage-ment, to boost productivity and sustainability. It will also help small-scale farmers move to commercial agricul-ture, support investments in value addition and agri-pro-cessing, and offer flexible fi-nancing. Jayathilaka, GM/CEO, said the Agri Banking Unit is a long-overdue step to support Sri Lanka’s agricultural development. He noted the unit allows individuals and institutions to place deposits dedicated to agriculture, with funds directly supporting the sector. The unit will fund large-scale projects, processing, transport, and exports to support sustainable growth. As Sri Lanka’s first comprehensive Agri Banking Unit, it marks a key milestone in agricultural financing. Its ‘Agri-Power’ Fixed Deposit Scheme enables investors to support the sector while earning returns. Through this initiative, BOC aims to boost productivity, technology adoption, and value addition, driving rural and national economic growth.
