Business
BoC concludes 2021 with unprecedented value creation for all stakeholders
The, year 2021 was another tumultuous year for the entire world due to wider and much longer impacts turned out by the Covid-19 pandemic. Fight back demanded quick response strategies with new thinking. However, ably supported by BoC by facilitating the priority imports of vaccines, the Nation was able to bring out much optimism during the mid and latter parts of the year.
Financial Performance
Speaking on the Bank’s performance for the year 2021, the General Manager/CEO of the Bank of Ceylon, K E D Sumanasiri stated, the Bank was able to reiterate its position as the undisputed market leader in Sri Lanka’s banking sector, demonstrating its unparalleled ability to truly support its customers and the overall economy in trying times. Demonstrating its strength, agility and strategic approach in succeeding in the midst of challenges, the Bank was able to show a notable increase in both its fund-based and fee-based income during the year and recorded Rs. 43.2 billion Profit Before Tax, regardless of headwinds created by market interest rates fluctuations and stressed portfolio quality emanating from Covid-19 related economic impacts. This is a remarkable achievement for the Bank as it denotes the Bank’s strength of converting challenges into opportunities. “Further, the Bank’s asset book surpassed Rs. 3.0 trillion during the year surpassing another milestone in our journey” he mentioned.
Fund Based Income
Mostly, owing to loan growth and continuous credit monitoring efforts put in place during 2021, the Bank reported Rs. 260.5 billion interest income which is a 15% increase over the year 2020. The benefits of the remarkable loan growth achieved in the previous year materialized during this year, generating an interest income of Rs. 193.1 billion through loans and advances which is 74% of the total interest income. The main contributive portfolios were overdraft, term loans and personal loans. The Debt instruments which mainly comprises of Government Treasury Bills, Bonds and other Foreign Currency Sovereign Bonds brought the major portion of interest income earned from the investment portfolio which stood at Rs. 65.7 billion.
In the meantime, interest expenses declined by 2% to Rs. 149.3 billion in line with the improvement in the CASA ratio to 36% from 35% (2020) and repricing the deposits at lower rates. The inverse movement in interest income and interest expense positively contributed to Net Interest Income (NII) of the Bank and NII increased by 49% to Rs. 111.3 billion YoY.
Non- Fund Based Income
Non-fund-based income of the Bank grew by 42% YoY basis and the main contributors were fee and commission income and exchange income. Fee and Commission income has shown a sizable growth owing to a flourishing trend reported towards digital banking channels. Suitably, transactional banking related fee and commission income has formed a major portion of fee and commission income reporting 69% of the fee and commission income. During the period under review, an exchange gain of Rs. 9.2 billion was also reported.
Impairment Charges for Loans and Advances and Other Financial Instruments
Impairment charges for loans and advances for the period amounted to Rs. 35.4 billion bringing the loan to impairment provision reserve ratio to 6%. NPA ratio stood at 4.5% against 4.8% reported by end 2020. Nevertheless, in calculating the impairment charge, the Bank always follows a prudential approach; given the high degree of uncertainty and extraordinary circumstances in the short-term economic conditions mainly caused by the continuous disruptions to businesses. The Bank made an additional expected loss provision using management overlays on identified risk elevated industries.
Individually Significant Customers were thoroughly assessed for their repayment capacity irrespective of the moratorium or concessions they enjoyed due to the Covid-19 situation and necessary provisions were made along with the independent review. Consequently, the provision made for stage III customers escalated by Rs.19.7 billion (19%) and provision for Stage II customers increased by Rs.3.7 billion (32%).
The Bank has considerable exposure to investments in foreign currency denominated sovereign instruments by way of Sri Lanka Development Bonds and International Sovereign Bonds. As per the regulatory and Accounting Standards requirements a significant amount of provision amounting to Rs. 8.3 billion was made for investments in aforesaid instruments accounting the impact of sovereign downgrade.
Operating Expenses
The operating expenses of Rs. 41.7 billion consists of personnel costs, assets maintenance, deposit insurance and other overhead expenses. The increment of 26% by Rs. 8.6 billion reported in operating expenses in line with the increase in personnel expenses due to the revision of salary scales according to the collective agreement, absorption of Trainee Staff Assistants to the permanent cadre and provision made for post-retirement benefit plans. Other expenses settled at Rs. 12.6 billion for the year with a 18% upward, backed by an increase in deposit insurance premium due to growth in deposit base, upturn in office administration and establishment expenses which includes special transport arrangements for staff and expenses made in relation to Covid-19 related special safety measures at the Bank’s premises. However, the Bank’s cost to income ratio of 32% shows prudent and effective cost management mechanisms adopted by the management to maintain the cost escalation in line with revenue growth.
Tax Expenses
VAT on financial services which is charged based on the value addition made by the financial services has a direct relationship to the growth in PBT. That’s being the case, the growth of 80% reported in operating profits, the VAT on financial services also increased to Rs.9.0 billion with the 65% YoY growth.
Although the income tax expenses reported in the Income statement is Rs. 5.6 billion after the adjustments made for deferred tax, the total income tax payment which will be paid for the year of assessment accounts to Rs. 10.3 billion.
In line with a broader, more inclusive approach and in alignment with evolving global standards, the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) announces the launch of the GSS+ Bonds Regulatory Framework, effective March 2025. This marks the first comprehensive regulatory framework in Sri Lanka dedicated to thematic bonds.
Under this initiative, the term “Sustainability Bonds” in the CSE Listing Rules has been replaced with “GSS+ Bonds”, which now encompasses Green, Blue, Social, Sustainability, and other related bond types, including Sustainability-Linked Bonds.
Social Bonds are fixed-income instruments where proceeds are exclusively allocated to finance or refinance projects aimed at addressing social challenges and generating positive social outcomes—such as improved access to essential services, affordable housing, education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. The global Social Bond market has seen significant growth in recent years, driven by rising investor interest in fostering inclusive and sustainable development.
In a significant development, the requirements for issuing GSS+ Bonds are now fully aligned with the guidelines of the International Capital Market Association (ICMA). This alignment ensures consistency with globally accepted practices and enhances the credibility and transparency of the sustainable finance instruments listed on the CSE.
The verification framework has also been enhanced. In addition to the previously accepted forms of assurance and impact reporting, issuers may now utilize enhanced methods such as Second Party Opinion and Certification, providing additional layers of investor confidence and credibility.
These rule enhancements were made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of Sri Lanka, underscoring the commitment of all stakeholders to elevate Sri Lanka’s sustainable finance landscape to meet international best practices.
The primary objective of this initiative is to enable capital raising for projects with measurable environmental and social impact, while also offering investors the opportunity to align their investment strategies with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles.
The introduction of GSS+ offers wide-ranging benefits. For issuers, it opens access to a new pool of capital dedicated to funding projects with positive social outcomes. Investors gain an opportunity to diversify their portfolios with instruments that deliver both financial and social returns. At a broader level, the initiative supports responsible capital allocation and contributes to key national development priorities such as poverty alleviation, gender equality, access to healthcare, and inclusive education.
Commenting on the launch, . Rajeeva Bandaranaike, Chief Executive Officer of the Colombo Stock Exchange, stated, “The introduction of GSS+ to the Sri Lankan capital market represents a significant step in our journey towards promoting sustainable finance. This initiative not only expands the suite of sustainable investment products available in the market but also empowers issuers to raise funds for socially impactful projects that can make a lasting difference in our communities.”
“We are proud to support this important development, which reflects our ongoing commitment to align capital market infrastructure with global best practices and to play an active role in Sri Lanka’s sustainable economic growth.”
The CSE remains committed to advancing ESG-aligned initiatives and providing market participants with robust frameworks for sustainability-oriented investments. The introduction of GSS+ Bonds reinforces the CSE’s role in facilitating financial innovation that contributes meaningfully to national and global development goals.
SLT-MOBITEL recently rewarded the lucky customer of its special ‘Roam and Win’ campaign with an all-inclusive tour package to Thailand, as part of its special roaming promotional campaign. The prize giving ceremony was held at the SLT-MOBITEL headquarters, marking a celebration of customer loyalty and appreciation.
The campaign was designed to recognize and reward both prepaid and postpaid customers who activated SLT-MOBITEL roaming plans during their international travels. The grand prize winner was selected through a raffle draw conducted among the pool of eligible customers. The tour package to Thailand included fully paid airfare, hotel accommodation, visa arrangements, guided excursions, and a daily allowance for 2 persons—offering the winners an unforgettable and worry-free experience abroad.
In a landmark move set to redefine the financial services landscape across two continents, LOLC Holdings PLC, Sri Lanka’s largest multi-currency, multi-geographic financial conglomerate, has entered into a strategic partnership with Tomorrow Financial Solutions (TFS) Australia. The agreement, formalized earlier this year, was officially inaugurated on April 03, 2025, at the TFS headquarters in Melbourne, followed by the grand launch held on April 24, 2025, at the opening of the new TFS office at the LOLC premises in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Tomorrow Financial Solutions (TFS) is an Australian financial services firm specializing in mortgage broking, financial planning, commercial lending, and investment strategy. With a focus on client-first, tech-powered experiences, TFS delivers innovative, strategic, and personalized solutions that drive long-term wealth creation.
This alliance represents a significant milestone for both organizations. For TFS, the partnership cements its evolution from a visionary local enterprise into a formidable player on the global financial stage, bolstered by LOLC’s capital investment and international credibility. For LOLC Holdings, this collaboration marks its official foray into the Australian financial market, further reinforcing its global footprint and commitment to providing inclusive financial solutions across new geographies.
“This strategic partnership is more than just an association,” remarked Mr. Pramu Rodrigo, Managing Director/ CEO of TFS, “It is the beginning of a transformative chapter in the Australian financial services sector. Harnessing LOLC’s global expertise, we’re cementing our presence in the Australian market with a bold vision, to set a benchmark in agile, client-focused financial services for a smarter, more connected future.”
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