National Savings Bank (NSB) ceremonially commenced the first working day of the New Year, 2025, at the Head Office premises of the Bank, at Kollupitiya, on 01.01.2025, in the morning hours.

The proceedings of the event began with the Chanting of Pirith and anushasana by the Venerable Members of Maha Sangarathne, which was followed by the invoking of blessings by the clergies of the Christian, Hindu, and Islamic religions. The occasion was graced by Chairman, Harsha Cabaral PC, and General Manager/CEO, Ms. Shashi Kandambi. Senior Deputy General Manager, K. Ravindran, Deputy General Managers, Assistant General Managers, Senior Management, and staff of the Head Office were also present at the occasion.

Addressing the gathering, the Chairperson of the Bank, Dr. Harsha Cabaral PC, stated that even though the year 2024 was a year full of challenges, the Bank was able to achieve its targets successfully in many ways. The Chairperson also extended his appreciation to the staff for their tireless efforts in 2024 and emphasized the need of focusing more on customer relations in 2025 to achieve successful outcomes more effectively. Dr. Harsha Cabaral also emphasized the importance of collective effort of the staff for the betterment of the Bank and the country in the future.

Ms. Shashi Kandambi, the GM/CEO of the National Savings Bank, highlighted 2024 as a remarkably successful year for the Bank. This success went beyond achieving the highest profit in the Bank’s history, encompassing substantial advancements in many other areas. She expressed that these positive trends will persist and be further strengthened in the coming year.

The staff of the Bank commenced work for the New Year by giving the Clean Sri Lanka Oath to serve the public with the commitment to coexistence, modernity, and cultural life.

National Savings Bank wishes its valued customers, other stakeholders, and all Sri Lankans a prosperous New Year 2025. (NSB)

The Bank of Ceylon, Sri Lanka’s No. 1 Bank, commenced the new year 2025, jubilantly announcing its newest achievement, being accorded recognition as ‘Bank of the Year – Sri Lanka 2024’ awarded by the prestigious The Banker Magazine U.K.

The official January 1st event was held at the bank’s head office building with the patronage of the Chairman Kavinda de Zoysa, and General Manager/CEO Russel Fonseka. Customers, Members of the bank’s Board of Directors, Corporate and Executive Management, staff, and well-wishers of the bank also gathered there for the occasion.

The proceedings began with a series of multi-religious sermons to invoke blessings on all stakeholders of the bank for the New Year. This was followed by the ceremonious presenting of the plaque received in honour of being ‘Bank of the Year Sri Lanka 2024’ from The Banker magazine U.K. by the General Manager Russel Fonseka and the Chief Financial Officer M.P. Ruwan Kumara, to the Chairman Kavinda de Zoysa.

In addition to this accolade, the Chairman was presented with a distinguished award received at the People’s Excellency Awards 2024, organized by Iconic Awards. These included the title ‘The Best SME Service Provider,’ which highlight BOC’s unwavering dedication to providing exceptional banking services and supporting small and medium enterprises across the nation.

The event then continued with the launch of the bank’s newest initiative the ‘Ranliya Loan Scheme,’ designed to empower women entrepreneurs and the relaunch of BOC Youth Loan Scheme exclusively for young entrepreneurs. As a responsible corporate citizen and a trusted financial partner to all Sri Lankans, BOC continues to make steadfast strides toward fulfilling its commitment to society and the environment meaningfully through digitally-driven and inclusive banking.

For over 85 years, Bank of Ceylon has been a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s financial landscape, connecting individuals and businesses to global opportunities. BOC’s extensive network with over 2,300 touch points spread across the nation, ensures that bank’s customers have convenient access to a wide range of financial services. Moreover, BOC was ranked as the only Sri Lankan Bank among the Top 1000 world banks 2024 and Bank of the Year 2021 and 2023 by The Banker Magazine UK, The Number 1 Banking Brand in Sri Lanka by Brand Finance Lanka. BOC also received the People’s Banking Services Brand of the year at the SLIM KANTAR People’s Awards 2024. Internationally, Bank of Ceylon has established a strong presence in key locations, such as a Subsidiary in London, UK; branches in Male and Hulhumalé in the Maldives; Chennai, India; and the Seychelles.

As the authorized distributor for LOVOL Harvesters in Sri Lanka, DIMO received two prestigious accolades at the 2025 WEICHAI LOVOL GLOBAL PARTNERS CONFERENCE, held recently at the LOVOL Center in China.

DIMO was honored with the Loyal Partner Award, recognizing its enduring partnership and commitment to fostering mutual growth with LOVOL. Additionally, the company was presented with the Outstanding Marketing Activity Planning Award for its innovative and impactful marketing strategies that have significantly elevated the LOVOL brand in the region.

Amila De Silva, Deputy General Manager – Agri Machinery Sales Division, and Malith Rodrigo, Assistant Marketing Manager – Agri Machinery, represented DIMO at this landmark event, which welcomed over 400 participants from more than 70 countries.

These accolades underscore DIMO’s contribution to advancing agriculture in Sri Lanka.