News
BOC says impact of its downgrading negligible
By Sanath Nanayakkare
The Bank of Ceylon (BOC) is set to end the year on a positive note despite the economic downturn due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the recent downgrade of the sovereign and banking institutions in Sri Lanka, BoC informed the media yesterday.
“The bank is winding up the year on a healthy note despite the stresses, posting the highest asset base of Rs. 2.9 trillion, highest deposit base of Rs. 2.3 trillion while maintaining its market leadership in Trade Finance, Treasury Operations including its more than 40% market share of Inward Remittances (US$2.5 billion). In addition to those, the Bank has maintained its market leadership in most of the spheres in the banking and finance arena”, BoC said.
“All our customers can confidently rely on the strength and stability of the BOC for all their banking needs”, it assured.
In stark contrast to several adverse news reports posted on social media over the past two days, BOC said,” The recent downgrade of the sovereign and banking institutions in Sri Lanka has had a minimal impact on the soundness of the Bank. Our international operations continue uninterrupted. Being a bank that has maintained its international presence for over eight decades, its foreign correspondent relationships have never been questioned, and the Bank has been growing from strength to strength. The Bank has earned many local and foreign accolades for its banking experience along its way and looks to Year 2021 on a positive note”.
Prime Munister Dr Harini Amarasuriya returned to the island this (23rd) morning after attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland,
The Sri Lanka Navy successfully conducted a diving operation on 19 Jan 26 to inspect and restore the sluice gate of the Bomburuella Reservoir.
Acting on a request from the Department of Irrigation, the Sri Lanka Navy deployed a specialized diving team from the Western Naval Command, for the urgent requirement.
Through concerted effort, the Navy divers successfully cleared accumulated debris, including a significant quantity of wooden fragments, which had impeded the sluice gate mechanism.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya held a series of high-level bilateral meetings on Wednesday [January 21] on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, engaging with representatives of the European Union, the United Nations Development Programme, and the global private sector.
The Prime Minister met with Hadja Lahbib, European Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Management. During the meeting, she expressed Sri Lanka’s appreciation for the support extended by the European Union and its member states following Cyclone Ditwa. The Prime Minister also briefed the Commissioner on the key findings of the World Bank’s GRADE report and requested continued EU support for Sri Lanka’s development and recovery efforts.
Prime Minister Amarasuriya also met with Alexander De Croo, representing the United Nations Development Programme. She expressed appreciation for the longstanding partnership between Sri Lanka and the United Nations and acknowledged the UN’s support in flood relief and livelihood assistance. The Prime Minister noted that, following the mandate received at the parliamentary election, the government is focused on meeting public expectations through national rebuilding grounded in public trust and good governance. She further reaffirmed the Government of Sri Lanka’s commitment to strengthening social protection systems and safeguarding vulnerable communities.
In addition, the Prime Minister met with Robert M. Uggla, Chairman of A.P. Moller Holding. The discussion focused on engagement with the private sector and potential areas of collaboration.
These meetings reflected Sri Lanka’s continued engagement with international partners and global stakeholders to support recovery, development, and long-term economic stability.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
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