Business
BOC records over Rs. 503 billion worth transactions via its service touch points during this Avurudu Season
The No.1 Bank in the Country, Bank of Ceylon yet again set a record during Avurudu Season with over Rs. 185 Billion worth transactions taking place in BOC’s very own CRM and ATM terminals. This record is a testimonial to customer’s faith kept on the Bank’s ATM and CRM network, to provide them the best in class 24-hour operative convenient banking services. Having a fully operational ATM and CRM network with over 1460 machines, at the time of writing, covering the entire country, BOC has provided customers utmost convenience and easy access to cash for their immediate cash requirements during Avurudu season.
The Bank has installed over 861 Cash Recycling Machines (CRMs) apart from 600 ATMs covering every strategic point throughout the country enabling BOC customers to deposit money into their accounts on real time 24 hours a day. Transactions made on the ATM & CRM network was recorded from 1st to 15th April 2024 which was over 9.7 Million number of transactions worth Rs.185.9 Bn respectively. Also, Bank of Ceylon from its Island wide branch network has recorded 0.82 Million number of transactions worth of Rs. 318 Billion through counters during the peak of this festive season from 8th April to 11th April 2024.
“The bank considers it as a privilege to have assisted all its customers during this avurudu season to have conveniently fulfilled their immediate cash requirements through its massive ATM & CRM network and Branch network spread across the country throughout. I wish to thank all our customers who have placed their trust in our service and wish to reiterate our commitment towards continuous service excellence” stated the Deputy General Manager Branch Operations Priyal Silva.
BOC ATM and CRM network of more than 1460 machines covers every hotspot in the country and physical branch network count is 653, and this has led to the increase in usage of these service points among general public. The Bank is currently in the process of expanding its digital customer touch points strategically. All ATM and CRM transactions are instantly updated and customers can immediately check their balances either through B-APP smart phone application or through Smart Passbook mobile application. Unlike many CDMs which require money to be fed into the machine note by note or be inserted into an envelope, BOC’s own machines allows customers to place a total bundle of 200 notes in a mix of over Rs. 100 denominations in a single deposit. CRM machines accept “cardless” deposits made using ATM cards or fund transfers made by simply keying debit account and the credit account numbers as per instructions displayed on the machines graphic screen. Leading in digital banking BOC offers many innovating digital payment options including BOC SmartOnline – online banking, B-App – mobile banking, BOC agent banking and QR scan enabled app- BOC SmartPay to carry out everyday transactions securely and conveniently.
Bank of Ceylon invite you to discover the ease and efficiency of banking with them and thereby to join with thousands of satisfied customers who have experienced the unparalleled convenience and reliability of its extensive network.
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.
Eventistry Sports, a trailblazer in innovative sporting events, has unveiled the Sri Lanka Padel League (SLPL), the nation’s first franchise-based padel tournament, set to debut in June 2025. This groundbreaking league promises to redefine Sri Lanka’s sports landscape by creating a dynamic national platform for athletes while fostering unity among fans, brands, and communities.
The SLPL will showcase six franchise teams, each embodying the spirit of iconic Sri Lankan locales: the Colombo Chargers, Yala Rangers, Hikkaduwa Riders, Ella Hawks, Arugambay Vipers, and Trinco Warriors. These teams will not only ignite regional pride but also unite the country through a shared passion for padel—a fast-paced racquet sport merging tennis and squash, played on enclosed courts.
“The SLPL is more than a league; it’s a movement,” declared Karin Wijeratne, Director of Eventistry Sports. “By blending franchise sports with Sri Lanka’s vibrant culture, we’re creating a platform where players gain national recognition, fans rally behind their hometown heroes, and brands engage with communities in meaningful ways.”
The league’s launch on June 21–23, 2025, at Colombo’s Padel House courts (CR&FC) will kick off with three days of high-octane matches, preceded by a star-studded player auction on May 16th at The Vault, Colombo City Centre. Local talent—both professional and intermediate—will be drafted by franchise owners, with international registrations now open to elevate the competition’s global appeal.
Please log in to: www.slpadelleague.com and social media: @SriLankaPadelLeague (Facebook & Instagram) for more information.
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