Business
BOC ends Q2-2023 on positive note, ‘ensuring its presence in SL’s development agenda’
The Bank has reported Rs. 10.5 billion of Profit before Tax (PBT) for the six-month period ended June 30, 2023 amid unprecedented challenges that continued to prevail from the previous year.
A BOC press release read as follows: “The interest income of the Bank grew by 32% to Rs. 259.7 billion primarily due to the increase in AWPLR comparing to the corresponding period of the previous year. However, interest expenses grew by 98% as the deposit mix has been repriced at higher rates, resulting high cost of funding and led to 65% decline in net interest income compared to H1-2022.
“Net fee and commission income amounted to Rs.8.7 billion with 11% growth mainly backed by increase in commission income from card related transactions and travel and remittance related services. Income from trading and investment activities and other operating income resulted in a negative note due to exchange loss reported during H1-2023 in line with the 15% LKR appreciation.
“Operating expenses for the period reported an increase of 12% in the backdrop of cost escalation due to inflation. Accordingly, the Bank has reported the PBT of Rs. 10.5 billion with 52% decline over H1-2022. At the end of H1-2023, the Bank’s asset base recorded a negative growth of 7% reflecting the impact of LKR appreciation. Amidst the high competition prevailed in the market, the Bank’s deposit base stood at Rs. 3.4 trillion as of end June 2023.
“Despite the adverse headwinds, the Bank has complied with regulatory capital requirements above the stipulated norms by maintaining the Tier I Capital Adequacy Ratio of 12.83% and Total Capital Adequacy Ratio of 15.64%. Meanwhile, all the liquidity ratios also improved given the positive market liquidity vibes conquered during the period under review.
“The General Manager/ Chief Executive Officer of the Bank, Russel Fonseka highlighted that, “Bank of Ceylon remains committed to deliver on its mandate of fostering the SME sector and ensuring funding of large infrastructure development in the nation despite the challenging operating environment. Further, he stated that showing its continued commitment to being the Bankers to the Nation, the Bank has recently introduced a new bank funded loan scheme to grant credit facilities for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in the name of “SME Energizer” in order to promote economic sectors and export earnings leading the revival of economy”.
“Reviewed against a tightened monetary policy on the backdrop of unprecedented economic turmoil in the country, being among the “Top 1000 Banks” in the world is a clear indication of BoC’s strong financial position and the measures undertaken by Bank of Ceylon to remain resilient by overcoming multiple challenges.” commented President’s Counsel Ronald C. Perera, Chairman of Bank of Ceylon.”
The Central Bank of Sri Lanka today (07) presented its flagship publication, the Annual Economic Review for 2024 (AER 2024), to President and Minister of Finance, Anura Kumara Disanayake, highlighting the steady progress of Sri Lanka’s economic recovery following the country’s most severe downturn in recent history.
The report was officially handed over by Dr. P. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Governor of the Central Bank, during a special ceremony held at the Presidential Secretariat.
AER 2024 comprises four main chapters: Macroeconomic Developments, Conditions of the Financial System, Review of Central Bank’s Policies and Macroeconomic Outlook.
According to the Review, the Sri Lankan economy showed significant signs of recovery in 2024, following the deep economic crisis experienced two years ago. The recovery trajectory, though challenging, has been notably faster than that of many other debt-distressed countries.
Improvements in economic activity, a partial resurgence in purchasing power and reduced uncertainty are among the key positive indicators noted in the report.
The event was attended by Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the President, K. M. Mahinda Siriwardena, Secretary to the Treasury, Mrs. K. M. A. N. Daulagala, Senior Deputy Governor, Dr. C. Amarasekara, Assistant Governor, Dr. (Mrs.) S. Jegajeevan, Director of Economic Research and Dr. L. R. C. Pathberiya and Additional Director of Economic Research at the Central Bank Dr. V. D. Wickramarachchi.
[PMD]
Business
IceWarp expands into Sri Lanka, fostering European innovation in collaboration with FentonsIT
IceWarp, a global leader in business communication solutions, has officially launched its cutting-edge platform in Sri Lanka, bringing European expertise in email and collaboration solutions to support the country’s evolving business landscape.
This expansion is driven by a strategic partnership with Fentons Information Technology (FIT), the Information Technology arm of Hayleys Fentons Limited.
The grand launch event held at The Kingsbury Colombo on 4th April, 2025, was graced by several distinguished guests, including Chief Guest Mohan Pandithage, Chairman and Chief Executive of Hayleys PLC.
The presence of Adam Paclt, Global CEO of IceWarp, and Pramod Sharda, CEO for India and the Middle East of IceWarp, along with their global team, highlighted the significance of this expansion. Industry experts, government officials, corporate leaders, and CIOs from the banking, financial services and insurance sectors were in attendance as well, reflecting strong local interest in IceWarp’s European expertise.
With this launch, Sri Lankan businesses now have access to an affordable, scalable and secure alternative to Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace. IceWarp’s advanced Collaboration Suite integrates a wide range of tools into a single, unified platform designed to streamline communication and boost productivity. Offering flexible hybrid deployment options and cost-efficient solution, IceWarp enables organisations to optimise their operations without compromising security or functionality.
Ceylon Energy and HJT China have successfully completed the Mahiyangana-Kappalthurei 33kV power distribution lines and the Uhana Gantry as part of Sri Lanka’s Supporting Electricity Supply Reliability Improvement Project (SESRIP). Funded by the Asian Development Bank ($42 million), SESRIP aims to expand energy access in underserved regions, including conflict-affected areas and provinces like Uva and North Central.
The project’s infrastructure spans over 270 km of 33kV lines, 13 switching gantries, and 2,372 km of low-voltage extensions.
The projects connect 35,000+ households and improve reliability for 493,000+ consumers; integrates renewables to reduce losses.
The projects’ notable components include: Mahiyangana-Bibila Line: 36 km with 147 steel towers and Kappalthurei-Sixth Mile Post Line: 14 km with 58 towers.
Ceylon Energy Chairman Madushanka Fernando hailed it as a ‘new beginning of a brighter era’, emphasising the project’s role in uplifting rural communities and driving sustainable development.
The initiative underscores Sri Lanka’s commitment to inclusive, reliable energy and climate resilience.
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