Bank of Ceylon Reinforces Sustainability Commitment Through Ongoing Support for Kechchimalai Beach Conservation Efforts

The Bank of Ceylon (BOC), in collaboration with Biodiversity Sri Lanka (BSL) and the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA), hosted a coastal clean-up and awareness programme on May 3, 2025, at Kechchimalai Beach Park, Beruwala. The event forms part of the ongoing “Life to Our Beaches” initiative, a nationwide environmental effort focused on maintaining cleaner and safer coastal spaces through sustained local action.

This year’s programme is notable not only for its scale and participation but also for the long-term measure: a locally appointed Beach Caretaker responsible for daily maintenance of the Kechchimalai shoreline throughout 2025.

This role has been created under an agreement between BOC and BSL, with supervision provided by MEPA. The caretaker will be selected from the surrounding community, helping to ensure that the initiative is locally grounded and provides direct benefits to the area.

The initiative addresses three key sustainability development goals—SDG 14 (Life Below Water) by protecting marine and coastal ecosystems, SDG 17 ( Partnerships for the goals) by  Collaborating to protect, restore, and sustainably manage beach environments and SDG 1 (No Poverty) by creating livelihood opportunities. With marine pollution due to polythene and plastic becoming increasingly visible in recent years, the programme offers a structured and realistic approach to tackling the issue.

BOC has been a member of Biodiversity Sri Lanka since 2018 and channels its environmental and social programmes through a dedicated Sustainability Unit, which aligns with all 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.

The May 3 event brought together staff from BOC, representatives from BSL and MEPA, local authorities, and volunteers from nearby schools and civil society groups. Activities included litter collection, awareness sessions on marine pollution, and discussions on how communities can take greater ownership of their local coastal environments.

The Beach Caretaker model introduced at Kechchimalai is expected to be evaluated over the course of the year, with potential for replication in other coastal locations if proven effective. For BOC and its partners, the programme is an example of how environmental responsibility can be integrated into everyday systems through community involvement, consistency, and institutional support.

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 the Banker of the Year 2021,2023 and 2024 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 Peoples 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.