Championing Sustainable Development Goals for a Brighter Future

At Bank of Ceylon (BOC), sustainability isn't just a buzzword or another cliched word that has lost its meaning—it's a commitment.?

The work we do at Bank of Ceylon is driven by more than just financial metrics. It's driven by our belief in a brighter, more equitable world for everyone. Every loan we disburse, every community we uplift, and every green initiative we champion is proof to our commitment to the people of Sri Lanka and the planet we all share.

We see the faces of hope in the women entrepreneurs whose dreams we help realise. We feel pride in our employees who embody gender equality every day. And we stand with the communities we serve, sharing in their triumphs and challenges alike.

We have embraced the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to drive positive change in our mother country. Here’s how we are making a difference across multiple SDGs:

No Poverty (SDG 1)

BOC dedicates about eight percent of its total lending portfolio to women in the MSME sector through the BOC Mithuru scheme. Our poverty alleviation efforts encourage women empowerment as a key strategy for achieving sustainability.

Zero Hunger (SDG 2)

BOC is committed to sustainable agriculture through institutional and home gardening initiatives. Our "Shasreeka Gewaththa" programme leverages our extensive branch network to support community gardening projects aimed at achieving zero hunger.

Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3)

Our pledge to uplift the health sector was amplified during the COVID-19 pandemic. We provided essential support through lending to healthcare, social services, and by servicing customers directly in their homes.

Quality Education (SDG 4)

It is not new that we always prioritise funding for training and scholarships to shape the next generation of responsible leaders. Our Nana-jaya and Nana Mihira scholarship programmes have broad outreach, supporting university students and young professionals.

Gender Equality (SDG 5)

Women outnumber men in BOC's workforce, and our commitment to gender equality is evident in our recruitment and support for women entrepreneurs in the MSME sector.

Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6)

BOC funds major water supply and sanitation projects in Jaffna and Girandurukotte, ensuring clean water and proper sanitation for these communities.

Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7)

We support the nation’s green policies by prioritising lending for green technologies. As a top-tier institution in renewable energy sector financing, we are also transitioning our branches to renewable energy sources. Currently, 14% of our total electricity consumption is powered by solar energy.

Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8)

We contribute to economic growth by creating new jobs and providing revival packages to rescue businesses. We are dedicated to the disbursal of salaries and pensions, a significant recurrent expenditure for the bank.

Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9)

BOC enhances access to financial services for MSMEs through development lending, concessionary loans, and dedicated support from our SME Circle and Export Circle.

Reducing Inequalities (SDG 10)

BOC increases developmental lending in economically deprived areas and hires senior management from local communities to promote inclusivity.

Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11)

BOC's lending portfolio includes housing, transport logistics, culture, and religious development. We adopt green building concepts in our branches and support community projects like the BOC Gammana programme.

Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12)

BOC has introduced automation and recycling initiatives to reduce paper, toner, and waste generation.

Climate Action (SDG 13)

We adhere to the ESG framework and ESMS policies, ensuring environmental and social impact assessments before loan disbursement. We also follow the CBSL taxonomy for sustainable finance.

Life Below Water (SDG 14)

BOC partners with Biodiversity Sri Lanka & MEPA on the "Life to Our Beaches" program, actively cleaning and preserving a 600-metre stretch at Beruwala beach, and establishing a dedicated "Beach Caretaker" role.

Life on Land (SDG 15)

The Bank undertakes replanting projects in Gal Oya Forest Reserve, the Kumbuk Arana project in Kalu Ganga riverbed, and the Green Net project in the Southern province, contributing to the national green agenda.

Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (SDG 16)

We diligently address customer complaints, maintaining a seven working day response time.

Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17)

We have partnered with nine institutes through membership payments to advance diverse and impactful long-term sustainability goals for a greener planet. This collaboration includes a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with merchants of renewable energy products.

Our journey towards sustainability is not just a corporate mandate; it’s a heartfelt promise to the future generations. It's about leaving a legacy that our children and grandchildren will look back on with pride. It’s about knowing that the seeds we plant today—whether they are in the fertile fields of sustainable agriculture or the promising minds of young scholars—will grow into a future where no one is left behind.