BOC City Office reopens at historic premise in Colombo 1

• Embraces the modernity with a facelift whilst preserving its prestigious historic value

The historic ‘City Office’ building of the country’s No. 1 Bank was ceremoniously opened after being refurbished to add more glamour and modernity to its historic value. The ceremony took place in line with the bank’s 83rd anniversary held recently on 1 August with the participation of the Chairman Kanchana Ratwatte, General Manager K.E.D. Sumanasiri, Additional General Manager Russel Fonseka, members of the corporate and executive management and other distinguished guests including longstanding customers of the bank. DGM Branch Operations and Development Banking Priyal Silva, AGM Western Province Central Ruchindra Perera and staff members of the City Branch officiated the ceremony.

The building is the premise to the first bank-branch of the Bank of Ceylon (BOC) where, Sri Lanka’s first indigenous modern bank was established by Sir Andrew Caldecott, the Governor of Ceylon on 1 August 1939 located at No. 41, Bristol Street, Colombo 01. Hence the building itself has a long historic value that enriches BOC’s 83 yearlong heritage. 

The City Office building is solely owned by the Bank of Ceylon and is one of historical buildings located in Colombo fort area as recognised by the Department of Archaeology. Bank of Ceylon takes pride in maintaining this historical building for more than eight decades preserving its historical values for the nation.

As part of preserving its historic value for further more whilst adding the sophistication required for modern customers the bank took steps to fully renovate the City Office building with careful attention to its originality. By now the City Office has reinstated in the new refurbished building that has come back to life with its original prestige and added digital convenience to serve all its invaluable customers with the same warmth and care as ever before. 

With over 2,000 customer touch points across the country, the Bank of Ceylon, the No. 1 banking brand in the country awarded by the Brand Finance Lanka. It was also awarded the coveted title of “Bank of the Year 2021 – Sri Lanka” by “The Banker Magazine UK”. 

The prestigious award was bestowed in recognition of the bank’s contribution to uplifting the lives of all Sri Lankans, while fulfilling its duty as the premier state bank. This award adds yet another title to the multi-award-winning bank that has been listed in the Top 1,000 Banks in the World ranking, with a country ranking of No. 1, again by “The Banker” magazine, UK.