By Karen Hapuarachchi   Bank of Ceylon (BOC) yesterday (7) stated that from March to September last year, it provided Rs. 551 billion in financial assistance to about 350,000 individuals, while working capital loans worth Rs. 42 billion were given to customers in hopes of reviving their business. Convening a press conference on its performance last year and approach for this year, the bank noted that in addition, the bank also set up a business revival unit to provide aid and assistance to their customers. It also offered project financing in order to cater to its large-scale customers in the energy, IT, pharmaceutical, and agriculture industries. Out of the Rs. 150 billion allocated by the Central Bank for local banks to provide working capital loans to affected individuals and businesses, Rs. 42 billion has been provided to people through BOC, according to the bank’s management.   It was noted during the press conference yesterday that the moratorium for affected borrowers during the pandemic was initially extended for two months during the first wave and then six months following the second wave. [caption id="attachment_112613" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] HNB Chief Financial Officer W.P. Russel Fonseka at the press conference[/caption] As at 30 September 2020, BOC recorded a turnover of Rs. 181.8 billion while the profit before tax was Rs. 15.4 billion for the nine months. Compared to Rs. 21.96 million in profit before tax during the same period the previous year, 2020’s profit before tax indicates a decrease of Rs. 6,476 million or 29.5%. Furthermore, the total sum of international transfers of BOC was revealed to be Rs. 2.7 billion. In addition to this, the launch of the instant credit electronic system for international transfers was also highlighted. The BOC management stated that it brought down the most deposits into the country. Furthermore, the decrease of the policy rate by 2% was highlighted and it was said that applications for loans rose after the reduction of the policy rates.