NEWS

In Memoriam t is with profound sadness that we announce the demise of our member Mr. Tyrell Peiris (Former Chief Dealer -Treasury Division, BOC Head Office)  Remains will lie at Jayaratne ‘Restpect’ funeral parlour, Borella from 2.00 p.m. onwards on Thursday 13th November 2025 and from 8.30 a.m. onwards on Friday 14th November 2025. Cortege leaves the parlour at 3.45 p.m. on Friday 14th November for burial at the General Cemetery, Borella. Secretary - Kotte Region We sadly inform you about the demise of MRS.A.C.R MANUELPILLAI. ( DGM retired in 2000) .She passed away on 1st October 2am  & last respect  given & funeral arrangements done/over on the same day ( 1st October 4pm) due to unavoidable circumstances. (Details  Son .R.Lalith._076 423 7531.  )    Secretary.  Wellawatta Region.BoC Pensioners Association Colombo District BOC pensioners among whom there were many who  patronized the "OLD CRONIES" and never failed to attend the fellowships hosted by some veterans, left us during the past few months. With the onset of the Covid 19 pandemic and the strict health guide lines imposed many of us were prevented from attending their funerals and taking part in their last rites at the grave yards or at the Crematoriums. The month of November being specially dedicated to those who left us either due to Old Age or Sickness,it is our duty to recall to memory those loved ones who once walked abreast with us, sharing our joys and sorrows. As a remembrance we publish the photos from available records of those who died. Please pray for the repose of their souls or offer your merits for them.     Asoka Perera D.Attanayake  D Attanayake and Brian Forbes Baba Fonseka Chithrani perera P. Geerasinghe Lucky Gunerathne Merril Silva Paramadharmawardene Patrick Silva Rex Peiris Sarath De Silva S W Jayasuriya D S B Wanasinghe  Ananda Abeywickrama, Douglas de Silva, Jayantha Hapuarachchy  Mrs Dharmawickrama, and  Ethel Silva are also remembered It is with deep regret that we convey the sad news of the passing away of our beloved colleague, Asoka Perera, Past President of the BOC Pensioners' Association The remains will lie at his residence at Kuda Buthgamuwa from 9pm tonight till removed for cremation around 5pm on Friday 4th Sept 2020 Death of  Mr Sarath de Silva A Former General Manager of Bank of Ceylon Mr Sarath de Silva a former General Manager of the Bank of Ceylon  passed away on 23rd December 2019  and the cremation took place on the 25th December 2019 at Mt Lavinia. We express our condolences to the grieved family. We regret very much to notify the death of Eric de Silva  in Sydney on  01st of August  Funeral was held on 07th of August 2019 at St James Chapel Anglicare retirement village, Hilliard Drive , Castle Hill Sydney BOC OLD CRONIES GET - TOGETHER Will    be held on 4th….. November 2018 At  Green Gardens Reception Hall, Kirulapona Commencing at 9.30 a.m. ending time is your choice.

Dear Fellow Old Cronies

This perhaps will be the LAST GET TOGETHER for 2018. December is a very busy month, with lots of activities. For this reason, we do not have our get together in December. Instead, we will meet on the above date to usher in the New Year 2019.

Fun Fiesta

The fun begins with the arrival of Old Cronies in their splendor which itself is a spectacle to witness

The Males of the Species come well groomed, smelling STALE COLOGNE, clad on over sized XXXL Bush shirts, to hide their very prominent POT BELLIES! Their attempt to regain lost youth is not totally futile!

 FEMALES OF THE SPECIES, not to be out done seek a little assistance from L’OREL of Paris and that of MAIDEN’FOAM OF MANHATTEN, looking OUTRAGEOUSLY

GLAMOROUS and EYE CATHCING

So, COME ALL YOU GUYS & DOLLS for this FUN FILLED DAYS’ OUTING

WHAT HAVE WE TO OFFER YOU?

Well, you get MORE than ENOUGH to QUENCH your THIRST!

To enhance your THIRST, there are CHILLI HOT SUCCULENT BITES

Have we ever let you down on the LUNCH? NO NEVER

IN ADDITION

GOOD MUSIC for your listening pleasure, you can even test your ageing VOCAL CHORDS

DANCE if you wish. But please mind your PARTNERS TOES!

WHAT’S MORE IMPORTANT IS: where else would you get an opportunity like this to meet your

OLD FRIENDS?

For all this you STILL pay only Rs 1,500/- Payable on arrival

Confirm your   irrevocable participation to any one of the following voluntary

 Coordinators

( 5 days before the event)

Mr M Wijebahu – 0112852886 – 0773411925 E- Mail hemantha@kik.lk

Mr M G Mendis 0112856059 -0718152268- E-Mail- gilbertm@sltnet.lk /gilbertmendis3@gmail.com

J.H.P. Guruge 0112835002 0718262665 E-Mail – jayanthhg@gmail.com

The following is the content of an E mail message sent to us by former BOC staff member Max Gerreyn who resigned from the BOC way back in 1977. He is now a permanent resident in Perth WA. He recalls to memory the unforgettable times at the BOC and also many of our old cronies. Excerpts from his E mail are reproduced with his permission.

“ Aiyubowan Magey Parana Lanka Bankuwe Sahodarayo. Remember me? I resigned from the BOC in 1977 and migrated to WA with my family. Today I was happy to come across the BC Pensioners website which was sent to me by Rickey Muthukumaraswamy. I got really emotional when I saw the pics of my old ledger boss “Mr.  Attanayake, who will always live in my heart and mind. A real Raththaranag minihek    and scholar.

 I would dearly love to get in touch with him either by e mail or phone, if you gentlemen can send me the details. I myself was 81 on 27th July this year. Now unfortunately I was not able to retire from the BOC because I had an ordinary pass for Sinhala at my senior and thus lost claim to be able to retire on the language issue. The pass in Sinhala at senior examination prevented me from being permitted to claim a pension. I do not know what your Pensioners’ Association’s policy or conditions are-but I am enquiring whether it is possible for me to enroll as an External Member although not actually a Pensioner. I have only made one trip back in February 2004 pre Tsunami and was most royally entertained by my very good Sinhala, Demala and Marakkala hondama mithrayo at the famous NCC water hole.

Please convey my love and warmest regards to Buddhadasa Kaluarachchi, Fareeda Dole, Kamala Ranarajah, TB Amith, WUSK Ranathunga, , B H Jayarathne and Mr D Attanayake of course I do keep in touch with Ashoka Perera, Manilal Gunerathne,   Karu and Cherine Amerasinghe and Mrs Nanayakkara.

When I resigned to migrate to WA in April 1977 I had just been promoted as Manager Hambantota. . In WA I retired from the Australian Customs Service as a Band 2 Customs officer in 1999 and then worked Part Time  for the WA Police Traffic Dept for 14 years and retired in 2015. I have a little scheme for me to possibly be of some service to the Pensioners in my capacity and skills as an artist/cartoonist/Portrait Artist. More details could be obtained by clicking on www.facebook.com/MSJGERREYN and have a look at my portfolio of artworks over the last 30-40 years.

You may contact me at 128 Apple Blossom Drive, Western Australia 6061.

Land Phone number: 089-2494609

Mobile +61 0490 180 013 

Courtesy Daily Mirror 14/05/2018









 IN MEMORIAM
We regret to inform the sudden passing away of 
Merril Silva 
a senior Banker
who was present at the recent BOC Old cronies get together
held on 14th January 2018
(A Photo of Merril taken at the above event)

May his soul rest in peace




B O C  Old Cronies

20th Anniversary                

We meet on Sunday 14^th January 2018 at Green Gardens, No. 38/3, Robert Gunawardena Mawatha. Kirulapona at 9.30 a.m.

On this day we celebrate the founding of the Old Cronies usher in the New Year.

As for the New Year we, Old Cronies of Bank of Ceylon, have nothing to celebrate for us, it is going to be another year just like the Old unless of course, there is to be a Pension Increase; a Substantial one at that” not peanuts anyway.

On  the contrary the 20^th anniversary of the founding of the  Old Cronies: is something to crow about & celebrate Our get togethers, which  kept us going despite hard times.

Being a special occasion all that we offer will naturally be special, be it drinks, Bites, food, music, gifts all of it will be quality stuff and we are pleased to announce that despite the additional expenses our price remains at Rs. 1,500/=

Make your reservation with any of the following on or before 7^th January 2018

Mr. M. Wijebahu – Phone 077 3411925

Mr. J.H.P. Guruge Phone or SMS to 071 8262665

Mr. F.S. Holmes 011 2518539

An appreciation

N. Patrick S. De Silva - banker par excellence

A product of Dharmasoka, Ambalangoda Patrick de Silva started his banking career with Bank of Ceylon way back on 02 August 1948 at the tender age of 18 years. Although it was the usual practice for new entrants to be posted to a Branch and thereafter the better performers picked to serve in the Foreign Department, he was an exception being posted direct to the Foreign Department of the Bank. After just one year service in the Exports section, he was selected to serve at the Bank's London Branch where he served for the next four years. His selection for overseas service after such a short period of joining the Bank is indeed a creditable achievement.

Although a major part of his career has been in international banking he also served in various capacities gathering very wide knowledge, experience and skills in the domestic banking area as well. At one time he was appointed the Regional Manager for the Uva Province of the Bank of Ceylon with thirty three branches of the Bank coming under his purview.

We got to know him when he was back at the Foreign Department, after his return from the London Branch. Although there was a gap of several years between the two of us getting to know him and he was a superior officer, he was equally friendly with both of us a relationship we cherished until his demise.

He was a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers and an inaugural member and Past President of the Chartered Institute of Bankers, London, Colombo Centre. He was also a founder member and Past President of Association of Professional Bankers - Sri Lanka.

In 1972 he was awarded a scholarship by the Institute of International Technical Cooperation of the Government of Italy to undergo training in one of the leading Italian banks - Banca Di Roma. Rome. He has also undergone training in International Banking in London and New York the biggest financial centres of the world. He obtained a Certificate of Merit for a Course in French at the Foreign Languages Educational Bureau, obtaining Distinctions in all five areas tested. He knew the correct pronunciation of French, Italian and Spanish words and his fluency in English was exquisite. He had a sound knowledge of Latin which helped him to be a scholar in the English Language. He was very particular in the choice of words both in his writing as well as in his speech to ensure that the most appropriate word was used to ensure that the reader or listener got the precise message he wanted to convey. He also possessed a good knowledge of European History. He was a voracious reader and it was his hobby to collect copies of all interesting articles.

His dedication and commitment to work was admirable and he sacrificed a lot for the Bank working extra hours without any compensation. He had a high sense of responsibility and his integrity was undoubted. He became entitled for official transport only when he was appointed an Assistant General Manager and that too was shared transport on working days only. Most days he missed the official transport in returning home as he had to stay behind to complete the workload he was entrusted with and he had to take a bus ride home. When he had to work during weekends he was seen travelling to work by bus bringing along his lunch packet.

He took a keen interest in banking education especially in training of young bankers to help them to keep abreast of the latest developments in the industry He was a very much sought after resource person at Seminars and Training Programs relating to International Banking. He was considered an expert in International Banking Operations relating to Exports in particular and he was more than happy to provide advice and guidance to any member of the staff or even a customer who came to him for assistance.

Although he could have worked at Bank of Ceylon until he reached 60 years, he took early retirement after thirty nine years of service to join Sampath Bank at its inception as its Assistant General Manager - International the same designation he held at Bank of Ceylon, at the time of retirement. He played a major role in establishing correspondent relationships with leading international banks in the major financial centres around the world, for the conduct of the bank's international business operations. He was very friendly and had cordial relationships with the bank representatives of most of the leading banks who continued to inquire about him even after years of his retirement.

He was also appointed the acting General Manager / Chief Executive Officer of Sampath Bank for short periods during a period of transition and also when the CEO had a hip injury and had to be away from office for some time. Whilst at Sampath Bank he completed fifty years of uninterrupted service in banking an achievement only a very few Sri Lankans can boast of.

He was a person who believed in paying attention to detail in whatever he did. He had a habit of drinking several cups of plain tea during the day which he enjoyed while smoking a cigarette. When he was very busy concentrating on some work it was not uncommon to see more than half a cup of tea going cold and a length of ash created by the burning cigarette kept on the groove of the ash tray which eventually dropped on to the table. Although at Sampath Bank as a policy the symbolic glass sheet on the desks of the higher grade officers of banks was taboo, the only exception was the desk of Mr. Patrick de Silva which had a glass top which prevented the burning cigarette stubs leaving marks on the wooden desktop.

In 1998 the Chartered Institute of Bankers Colombo Local Centre conferred on him a 'Life Time Award' in recognition of his service to the banking community. He was also conferred 'Honorary Life Membership' by the Association of Professional Bankers - Sri Lanka in recognition of his contribution to the banking industry in general and the Association in particular..

He was truly a 'WOG' - Western Oriented Gentleman and his mannerism was typical of an Englishman of the days gone by, and much more than Englishmen of today. From his early days he was always well groomed and smartly dressed in spotless white and his shoes were polished like shining glass. He was very much concerned about punctuality and even at the latter stages of his career he was at work by around 7.00 am although the starting time was 8.00 or 8.15am.

English Classical Music was his fantasy and he had a huge collection of classical music. After his retirement he spent lots of time listening to music. His favorite film was 'My Fair Lady' and he never felt tired of watching this film over and over again to enjoy the magnificent use of the English language. He also had a collection of books on composers of classical music as well as English literary stalwarts and leading European and American politicians of the yester year. He loved talking about these literary great like William Shakespeare, George Bernard Shaw and great classical music composers like Ludwig Van Beethovan, Johann Strauss, Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Franz Schubert, Johann Sebastian Bach…

In February 2010 he invited his banking colleagues, close relatives and a few neighbours to a presentation "Introduction to Western Classical Music" at his house in Nawala. Although he did not reveal what the occasion was for such an event, it now appears that it was his way of celebrating his eightieth birthday which none of knew of since he kept his date of birth a closely guarded secret. It was a grand evening with the best of liquor and wine followed by a sumptuous dinner. Most of his close banking friends and colleagues were present.

He did not miss the events organized by the Association of Professional Bankers - Sri Lanka as well as the Chartered Institute of Bankers London, Colombo Local Centre and other banking functions to which he was invited. If ever he had to turn down an invitation he would immediately telephone the hosts requesting that he be excused. He was most sought after for his entertain8ng after dinner speeches. William Shakespeare, George Bernard Shaw, James William Gilbart- banker extraordinary, were some of his favourite characters that he used to quote during these speeches.. Most of his jokes were on his banking colleagues and those who were present in the audience.

His demise is a great loss to the banking community of Sri Lanka who will not only miss his wealth of knowledge and experience but also his pleasant smile and high sense of humour especially at social events. He was always at hand for anyone who wanted advice and guidance especially when they were seeking ways to overcome a problem they faced.

He was truly a gentleman banker and a banker par excellence.

May his journey through Sansara be short.

A. Kathiravelupillai

Former Deputy General Manager, Bank of Ceylon

Parama Dharmawardene

Former Deputy General Manager, Sampath Bank

  

 

Bank Of Ceylon Pensioners’ Association held its Annual General Meeting on 25^th April 2015 at the Grand Oriental Hotel Colombo.

The following were elected as office bearers of the Association at the meeting.

President    L.G. Abeysirigunawardene

Immediate Past President    J.F.G.(Guy) de Silva

Vice Presidents    Nimal Peiris, Ranjith Munasinghe, P.J. Rathnayake

General Secretary   M. Sukumaran

Hon Treasurer   Nihal Gamage

Asst Secretary   Kingsly Mendis

Asst Treasurer   Wimal Fernando

Committee Members Asoka Perera, N. Suraweera, Jinadasa Gamage, Lal Rodrigo, Lalith Hemasiri, P.V.S. Premalal, Sisira Thanayamwatte,  Gamini De Silva.

Death Donation Fund

President  W.A.S. Wimalarathne

Vice President  M. Wickramasinghe

Secretary   Srikantha De Silva

Treasurer    C. Rathnapala

Asst Secretary M. Wijayabahu

Asst Treasurer  J.H.P. Guruge

Committee Members   Ranjith Liyanage, P. Ranaweera, Rohana Athauda, G. Warapitiya, P.P.G. Ranaweera

Hon Auditor  S. Thilaganathan

The Old Cronies deeply regret to announce the sudden death of a long standing member J. Amaraweera

May he attain Nibbana




Breaking News

Message sent by Nihal Goonatilleke

Most of the older Bank of Ceylon employees will know Stan Sparkes who was I believe the Chief Intelligence Officer or some such thing at Central Office.

I am aware that Asoka Perera will know him - he is of that vintage. 

Well Stan has recently been very sick and is now in palliative care in a Hospital in a Brisbane suburb.  He is 95 years plus some months.

Nihal Goonetilleke.

BOC past employees living in Canada have formed an association. They had forwarded a news letter which I found interesting. While wishing them all success in their activities of maintaining a very close relationship with all those who were near and dear to us when they worked with us at head office, city office or in branches in the past, I reproduce the news letter in our Blogspot for our viewers. 
Click on the below link to view the news letter.
Thank You


https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B61SRCcMBVd6b1hySV8yb25mWGM/edit

 

          B.O.C. Pensioners’ Association launches 

  a housing project for displaced families in Maawilaru

   

  Bank Of Ceylon Pensioners’ Association acting under “Pensioner’s Social Responsibility to the communities’ has volunteered to build houses for families displaced during the war in Suriyapura close to Maawilaru in the Mahaveli Block D area

    Recently several Office bearers of the Association led by Mr. Nimal Pieris ( Vice President) visited the area and selected five families representing all communities who would be provided these houses under the pilot project, with the guidance of the Block Manager of the Mahaveli Authority,

This pilot project would later be extended  to building more houses, sources revealed.

The BOC pensioners’ association had already sought the assistance from the management of the Bank of Ceylon, its present Employees, and well wishers for the successful implementation of this project.

Already some well wishers had expressed interest in this project and had assured their fullest cooperation to the association to go ahead with this noble task..

There are already 320 families settled in the area who are living in wattle and daub houses which lack basic sanitary facilities. They have been allocated 2 1/2 acres of land by the Government for cultivation purposes, which they had already commenced despite the many difficulties they face.

Monitoring of the project would be handled by the Manager of the Bank of Ceylon Serunuwara branch and the Block Manager of the Mahaveli Authority. The association would   provide all the materials and the construction work will be done by the villagers on a community basis.

Laying of foundations for the houses had already been completed and the association hopes to complete construction of all houses by end Feb 2014

 Pensioners, Well Wishers, or any Organisation willing to contribute towards this meritorious project may contact

Mr. Nimal Pieris on Tele: 2911434 / 0777271434 or Mr. Ranjith Munasinghe on 2887970 / 071448529/ 0777483374 

BOC pensioners’ Association

Colombo District Branch

Kotte Region

News 2013

Agitation campaign

Bank of Ceylon Pensioners’ association participated in the agitation campaign organized by the Ceylon Bank Employees’ Union, Bank of Ceylon branch, requesting the implementation of the Pension scheme approved by the Board of Directors of Bank of Ceylon, to its employees who joined the bank after 1996. This event was held on 07^th September 2013, and more than 7000 employees including 600 pensioners gathered at BOC Head office and went in procession to the Hyde Park where a massive rally was held.