Seylan Bank celebrates 35th anniversary

From left: Seylan Bank Director/CEO Kapila Ariyaratne, Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe and Seylan Bank Chairman Ravi Dias unveiling the plaque at Seylan Bank’s 35th anniversary celebration held at its head office premises   

• Milestone marks outstanding customer service and unwavering dedication to excellence

Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe

Seylan Bank Chairman Ravi Dias

Seylan Bank Director-CEO Kapila Ariyaratne

Seylan Bank Deputy CEO Ramesh Jayasekara

Having opened its doors in 1988, Seylan Bank, on Friday celebrated a milestone of 35 years of proudly serving all stakeholders with an unwavering dedication to excellence.

The special occasion was commemorated with a religious ceremony at the Millennium Branch of the bank with the participation of the Board of Directors, corporate management, staff and well-wishers.

Central Bank Governor Dr. P. Nandalal Weerasinghe graced the event and delivered the keynote address. Seylan Bank Chairman Ravi Dias and Director/CEO Kapila Ariyaratne also addressed the gathering.

Since the opening of its first branch, Seylan Bank has expanded into an island-wide network of 171 branches, 216 ATMs, 70 cash deposit machines and 96 cheque deposit kiosks as well as many Digital Banking solutions, serving a growing client base of Small and Medium Enterprises, Retail and Corporate Customers.

Throughout its distinguished history, the bank has successfully powered opportunities and possibilities to create a better tomorrow for its customers, employees and the community at large, across the socioeconomic spectrum.

Continuously revolutionising the country’s banking sector, Seylan Bank prides itself on differentiating factors of operating with a vision to offer the ultimate banking experience to valued customers through cutting-edge technology, innovative products, and best-in-class services. With a customer first policy instilled deeply within all employees, the close relationship and trust among all customers encompassing empathy and care, continues to play a vital role in the success of the bank.

Director/CEO Ariyaratne said: “We are proud of our history and excited about the future. Within the past decade Seylan Bank’s total assets, deposits and advances have grown by 300%, while our revenue has grown four times and our profit after tax has doubled. While entering the 35th year, we have recorded the highest bottom line in the history of the Bank for two consecutive years.”

“We have polished the rich culture of innovation and customer service excellence that have been hallmarks of Seylan culture from the beginning, and are more customer focused, compliant and transparent today. Seylan Bank looks to the future with excitement, energy, strength and hope to build on our excellent foundation and achieve the vision of being amongst Sri Lanka’s leading financial service providers, helping all our stakeholders achieve their good aspirations while helping our country and our people to once again achieve economic prosperity in a sustainable manner,” Ariyaratne added.

During its over three-decade journey, Seylan Bank has overcome challenges, taken advantage of new business opportunities, evolving into a consistently performing financial services provider to drive the nation’s growth and development. The bank continues to stand out as a fortress of strength, reinforcing financial discipline, having built its capital and reserves for extra protection against unexpected challenges and to withstand any downturns in the economy.

Recognised for its unique approach to banking, today, Seylan Bank is perceived as a leading banking service provider with its benchmark service delivery, and innovative approaches that extend far beyond the mere provision of services expected by customers. The bank has relentlessly pursued digital transformation and is at the forefront of digitalisation, striving ahead towards delivering a seamless and uninterrupted banking experience.

Serving the community as an enabler, and as a responsible corporate citizen, Seylan Bank has initiated multiple long-term sustainable and comprehensive social programs including philanthropic engagements. These programs have been carefully structured to ensure they make a positive impact on the communities within the bank’s operational areas.

Pix by Ruwan Walpola